Your Annual Wellness Visit
Write Down Your Questions in Advance
Bring the list with you. This makes sure that you don’t forget to mention something important.
Not sure what to ask? Download Questions
Bring a Digital Recorder
Ask your health care provider if it’s OK to record the visit. It can be helpful to go back and listen again to your provider’s advice when you have time to think more clearly.
Bring Someone With You
You can ask a loved one to sit in on the visit with you. Your friend or relative can serve as an advocate. Your friend or family member may have questions or observations that can help you get the best medical care.
Bring Your Health Records
Bring copies of your personal health records. This is important if this is your first visit or if it’s been a while since you saw this health care provider. Let your provider know about any other health care providers you see. You might also want to bring information about the health of your close family members. Certain diseases and conditions run in families. For example, if a brother, sister, parent, or adult child has been diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, your provider may want to add that information to your file.
Bring a List of Your Medicines and Supplements
Let your health care provider know what medicines you take each day. Make sure to include:
- Vitamins
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathic remedies
- Teas
- Supplements
- Prescription medicines from all providers you see
If it’s too much for you to write down, bring them all in a bag to show the provider.
Talk About Any Changes You’re Experiencing
Mention any new sensations, signs, or symptoms that you’ve been having. You should also bring up any significant changes in your life, such as the death of a loved one, retirement, or a change in lifestyle. These might have an impact on your health. Even difficult topics can and should be discussed with your health care provider. This includes changes in bathroom habits, sex, feelings of sadness, depression, or thoughts of suicide.
Ask About Your Numbers
This is a good time to check in on your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, weight, body mass index (BMI), heart rate, and any other numbers that your provider has been watching. Ask what you need to do to keep these measurements in healthy ranges.
Ask About Screenings
Health screenings are crucial for detecting conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and even cancer early, when they’re easier to treat and before they cause serious problems. If your provider doesn’t mention them, ask if you should be screened during this visit or in the next few years.
Not sure what screenings to ask about? Download this guide.