Patient preparation worksheet for doctor appointments

Preparation leads to better appointments, and better appointments lead to better care. Fill this in before your visit and bring it with you. You are the expert on your body; your doctor is the expert on diagnosis and treatment. Together you are the team.

Basics

Date of appointment

Doctor / provider

Reason for visit

Type

New problemFollow-upAnnual physicalOther

1 · Main symptom

What is the symptom?

When did it start?

How has it changed?

WorseBetterSameComes and goes

Severity (circle): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (1 = mild, 10 = worst possible)

Location

Quality

SharpDullAchingBurningThrobbingPressureOther

Timing: constant or intermittent? time of day? how long does it last? how often?

What makes it better?

What makes it worse?

Associated symptoms

FeverNauseaVomitingDizzinessShortness of breathFatigueWeight lossWeight gainNight sweats

2 · Symptom diary

Date	Time	Severity 1-10	Duration	Triggers	What helped

3 · Current medications

Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies.

Medication	Dose	How often	What for	Prescribed by

Medication allergies or adverse reactions

Medications you have already tried for this problem

4 · Relevant medical history

Previous similar episodes? Yes No, if yes, when and what happened

Relevant past conditions

Recent hospitalizations or procedures

Recent injuries or accidents

5 · Family history (if relevant)

Family members with similar conditions

Significant family history

Heart diseaseDiabetesCancer (type)High blood pressureStrokeAutoimmuneMental healthOther

6 · Lifestyle

Smoking: Current Former Never Alcohol: None Occasional Regular

Exercise (type, frequency)

Sleep (hours per night, quality)

Recent diet changes? Yes No, describe

Stress level (circle): Low 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 High

Recent life changes

Job changeMoveRelationship changeLoss / griefOther

7 · Impact on daily life

For each, mark none / some / significant / unable: work or school, sleep, physical activity, social activities, mood.

8 · Questions for your doctor

Write them before the visit and put the most important first. Tip: AI is good for generating this list.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prognosis

Testing

Lifestyle / prevention

Follow-up

9 · Concerns to discuss

Things you are worried about

Things you want to be sure the doctor knows

Things you did not understand from previous visits

10 · Goals for this visit

Get a diagnosisUnderstand my conditionStart treatmentAdjust treatmentSpecialist referralOrder testsActivity / work clearanceRefill prescriptions

Most important thing to address today

11 · Notes during the visit

Diagnosis / assessment

Tests ordered

Treatment plan

Medications prescribed or changed

Follow-up plan

When to call the doctor

Red flags to watch for

12 · After the visit

Fill prescriptionsSchedule testsSchedule follow-upSchedule specialistLifestyle changesCall doctor if...Research

Tips

Before: complete this sheet; bring your medication list or bottles, prior results, insurance and ID; arrive early; bring someone if the news may be serious. During: be honest and complete, ask when you do not understand, take notes, raise even embarrassing concerns, and do not leave until you understand the plan. After: follow through, fill prescriptions promptly, book follow-ups before leaving, call if anything is unclear, and watch for the red flags you discussed.

Using AI to prepare

Good: "What questions should I ask about these symptoms?" "What does this term mean?" "What information would help my doctor evaluate this?" Not: diagnosing, recommending treatment, or deciding whether to go. Use AI to prepare for care, not to avoid it.

Appointment prep worksheet