Doctor Visit
Prep Worksheet

Get the Most Out of Every Appointment

Prepare questions, track symptoms, and document concerns to ensure productive healthcare visits for your aging parent.

Appointment Details:

Date: ____________________

Time: ____________________

Doctor: ____________________

Specialty: ____________________

Location: ____________________

Purpose: ____________________

ParentCareGuide.com

Pre-Appointment Checklist

Complete this checklist before leaving for the appointment to ensure you have everything needed.

Documents to Bring

Insurance card(s)

Photo ID

Current medication list (or bring all pill bottles)

Previous test results or imaging CDs

Referral letter (if required)

Medical records from other doctors

Healthcare Power of Attorney (if applicable)

This completed worksheet

Information to Have Ready

List of current symptoms and concerns

Timeline of when symptoms started

List of questions to ask

List of all healthcare providers

Recent changes in condition or behavior

List of allergies

Practical Preparations

Confirm appointment date/time

Arrange transportation

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early

Bring snacks/water if appointment may be long

Bring glasses/hearing aids

Bring something to take notes

Wear easy-to-remove clothing (if exam expected)

💡 Pro Tip

Ask if you can record the appointment on your phone. Many doctors allow this, and it helps you remember instructions later. Always ask permission first.

Symptoms to Report

Document symptoms in detail. The more specific you are, the better the doctor can help.

Primary Concern

What is the main reason for this visit?

When did this start?

Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?

Symptom Details

Where exactly is the problem? (location on body)

How would you describe the symptom? (sharp, dull, constant, etc.)

On a scale of 1-10, how severe is it?

How often does it occur?

What makes it better?

What makes it worse?

What treatments have you already tried?

Other Symptoms Noticed

Fatigue or weakness

Appetite changes

Weight changes

Sleep problems

Mood changes

Memory/confusion

Dizziness

Falls or balance issues

Pain (new or worsening)

Bathroom changes

Other symptoms to mention:

Questions to Ask the Doctor

Write down your questions before the appointment. Check them off as they're answered.

About the Diagnosis

1 What do you think is causing this problem?

2 Are there other possible causes we should consider?

3 What tests do you recommend, and why?

About Treatment

4 What are the treatment options?

5 What are the risks and benefits of each option?

6 What happens if we do nothing?

My Own Questions

7

8

Questions to Ask (Continued)

About Medications

9 Are there any medication changes you recommend?

10 What side effects should we watch for?

11 Are there any interactions with current medications?

About Daily Care

12 Are there any activity restrictions?

13 Are there dietary changes that would help?

14 What warning signs should prompt a call or ER visit?

About Follow-Up

15 When should we schedule a follow-up appointment?

16 Who should we call if we have questions or concerns?

📝 Don't Forget to Ask

Can I get a copy of today's notes or a summary?
Will you send results to other doctors on the care team?
Is there a patient portal where I can view results?

Appointment Notes

Use this space to write down what the doctor said during the appointment.

Diagnosis / Assessment

Recommended Treatment Plan

New Medications Prescribed

Tests / Labs Ordered

Referrals to Other Specialists

Instructions for Home Care

Follow-Up Actions

Document next steps and action items from the appointment.

Prescriptions to Fill

________________________________

Tests / Labs to Schedule

________________________________ Location: ________________

Appointments to Schedule

Follow-up with this doctor: ________________

Specialist referral: ________________________________

Other: ________________________________

Lifestyle Changes to Implement