What should you do before a doctor's appointment?

September 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, roughly 81% of people have admitted to not telling a clinician medically relevant information. To ensure you receive the most accurate and effective care, it is crucial to know what should you do before a doctor's appointment to be fully prepared and transparent.

Quick Summary

Proper preparation is key to a successful doctor's visit, and this involves gathering relevant documents, compiling a list of questions and medications, and noting any changes to your health since your last visit. Taking these steps empowers you to have a productive conversation with your doctor and get the most out of your limited appointment time.

Key Points

Organize Your Information: Compile a complete and up-to-date list of all your medications, allergies, and health conditions before your visit to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Document Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your symptoms in the weeks leading up to the appointment, including details like onset, duration, and triggers, to provide your doctor with a comprehensive picture.
Prioritize Your Questions: Make a list of your most important questions and concerns ahead of time so you don't forget to ask them during your limited appointment time.
Bring Your Paperwork: Always remember to bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any recent lab or test results, especially for your first visit with a new provider.
Practice Open Communication: Be honest and open with your doctor about your symptoms and lifestyle habits. Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for support and note-taking.
Know Your History: Be prepared to discuss your family's medical history, as it provides important context for your own health and potential risks.

Your Essential Preparation Checklist

A productive doctor's appointment starts long before you step into the clinic. Taking the time to organize your thoughts and gather key information can dramatically improve the quality of care you receive. By creating a comprehensive checklist, you ensure that no important details are overlooked during your visit, especially if you feel anxious or rushed.

Gather and Organize Your Medical Information

Your doctor needs a complete and up-to-date picture of your health. This includes your medical history, current medications, and any relevant test results. Having this information readily available saves time and helps your doctor make more accurate assessments.

Compile a list of current medications and supplements: This list should include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Note the dosage, frequency, and reason for taking each one. It can be easier to simply bring the medication bottles with you to ensure accuracy.
Update your health history: Since your last visit, have you been treated in the emergency room, had a recent surgery, or seen a specialist? Be ready to mention any changes, no matter how small they seem.
Gather recent test results and medical records: If your doctor doesn't have immediate access to your full medical record, it's helpful to bring copies of recent lab results, imaging reports, or letters from other healthcare providers you've seen.
Know your family's medical history: Your doctor will want to know if there are significant illnesses that run in your family, such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Ask your relatives for this information if you don't already know it.

Document Your Symptoms and Concerns

It's easy to forget key details when you're speaking with a doctor. Keeping a log of your symptoms in the weeks leading up to your appointment can provide a more accurate and comprehensive view of your health status. This is especially important for chronic conditions or vague, intermittent symptoms.

Keep a symptom diary: Write down when a symptom first appeared, how long it lasted, its intensity, and what, if anything, made it better or worse. For example, if you have back pain, note when it occurs and how it affects your daily life.
Prioritize your questions: Create a list of the questions and concerns you want to discuss with your doctor. If you have multiple items, list them in order of importance. This ensures you cover your most pressing issues first, in case you run out of time.
Write down personal lifestyle details: Your diet, sleep patterns, exercise habits, and stress levels can all impact your health. Be prepared to discuss these openly and honestly with your doctor, as this can provide valuable clues for diagnosis.

Essential Day-of-Appointment Tips

On the day of your visit, a few last-minute actions can help things run smoothly and reduce your anxiety. Being prepared for the logistics of the appointment itself is just as important as having your medical information in order.

Bring your insurance card and photo ID: The front desk staff will need these to process your check-in and verify your information.
Take notes: Consider bringing a pen and paper or using a note-taking app on your phone. Jotting down key takeaways, treatment instructions, and follow-up plans can be a lifesaver when trying to remember details later.
Consider bringing a companion: If you are nervous or have a complex health issue to discuss, bringing a trusted friend or family member can be beneficial. They can help you take notes and remember what was said, but make sure they understand their role is to support you, not take over the conversation.
Review your doctor's instructions: Some doctors require you to fast for certain blood tests. Others may have online intake forms you can complete ahead of time. Always check for specific instructions when scheduling your appointment.

New Patient vs. Established Patient Preparation

Preparing for a first-time visit with a new doctor is often more involved than a routine check-up with a long-standing physician. The information you need to bring may differ slightly. The table below compares the preparation needed for these two common scenarios.


Action	New Patient	Established Patient
Medical Records	Bring copies of past records, test results, and summaries from other providers.	Usually not necessary, as the doctor has your electronic record.
Medication List	Essential. Provide a complete list of all medications, including names, doses, and frequency.	Essential. Confirm your current medication list is accurate and up-to-date.
Family History	Crucial to provide as much detail as possible to build a comprehensive history.	Typically only needs updates if significant new information becomes available.
Insurance/ID	Mandatory. Bring your insurance card and a government-issued photo ID.	Always bring, in case your information or policy has changed.
Symptoms/Questions	Essential. Write down all new symptoms and your prioritized questions.	Important for follow-up. Note any changes, new symptoms, or follow-up questions.
Pre-Visit Forms	Expect to complete detailed intake forms about your health, history, and contact information.	May only need to sign annual updates or forms related to specific visits.

The Importance of Honesty and Proactivity

A doctor's appointment is a collaborative effort, and you are a crucial part of the team. Being honest about your lifestyle habits, like diet, exercise, and alcohol consumption, helps your doctor provide the best possible care. Similarly, speaking up if you feel rushed or don't understand something is a form of patient advocacy. Remember, your doctor cannot read your mind, so clear and complete communication is essential for a successful outcome. For more information on advocating for your health, visit the Patient Advocate Foundation.

Conclusion

Preparing for a doctor's appointment is a proactive step toward managing your health effectively. By organizing your information, documenting your symptoms, and knowing what to expect, you can reduce stress and ensure your time with the doctor is productive. Don't underestimate the power of preparation; it's a vital part of receiving quality medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should bring your insurance card, a photo ID, a complete list of all medications and supplements you take, and a list of questions and symptoms you want to discuss. For a new doctor, also bring copies of recent medical records or test results if available.

In addition to a regular visit, for a first appointment you should gather your medical records from previous providers, be ready to provide a detailed family health history, and be prepared to fill out new patient intake forms, which are sometimes available online beforehand.

It depends on the purpose of your visit. Fasting is often required for certain blood tests, like those for cholesterol or blood sugar. Always confirm any fasting instructions with your doctor's office when you schedule the appointment.

Preparing a list helps ensure you address all your concerns during the visit. It’s easy to forget important questions, especially when you feel nervous or pressed for time. Prioritizing the list helps you focus on what's most important first.

Yes, bringing a trusted friend or family member can be helpful. They can assist with note-taking, help you remember what was discussed, and offer support. However, it’s a good practice to check with the clinic beforehand, as some offices may have visitor restrictions.

For multiple issues, it's best to prioritize them. Inform your doctor at the beginning of the appointment about your most pressing concerns. If time runs short, you can schedule a follow-up visit to address secondary issues.

Taking notes during the appointment is highly effective. You can also ask your doctor to write down important instructions for you. If you forget something, you can often call the office later to ask a nurse for clarification.