The visit briefing
What would a visit involve?
Picture a conversation with room for questions in both directions. Ask what the visit includes before paying for it.
Bring the story in your own words
Make a note of the change that prompted the visit. Add the medicine names and earlier results you want to discuss, along with any questions about them.
- What is the main thing I want to talk about?
- What have I already tried or been told?
- Which part of the proposed visit is unclear to me?
Ask what information the doctor needs
Changing the setting to a screen does not lower the expected care standard, according to medical board guidance.
When that assessment needs tests or an examination, the guidance says the doctor must arrange them, complete them or refer the patient for them.
- What would this test help you decide?
- Who would explain the result to me?
- If an examination is needed, where would it happen?
A test needs a reason you understand
Ask for the purpose of each proposed test before agreeing to a bundle. “What will we do differently because of the result?” is a useful way to put it.
- Is the test part of the quoted visit fee?
- Would it be done locally?
- Who takes responsibility for reviewing it?
Leave with an account of the plan
Ask the doctor to put the plan into words you can repeat back. If a point is still unclear, leave it on the question list.
- What is the next decision?
- What other options did we discuss?
- How do I ask a question after today?