5 Things Every Patient Should Discuss with a New Doctor

Does your doctor know enough information about you to make well-informed decisions about your health? Whether you have been seeing the same doctor for years, or if it’s your first appointment with a new doctor, make sure he or she is aware of all of the following:  

• Your past medical history. Your doctor will ask what procedures you've had done, what illnesses you've had, whether you've been hospitalized and, if so, where and when. Write them down before you visit, and make sure the list is complete.
• Medications you take. Bring the bottles with you to the appointment so that you don't have to worry about whether you've spelled the name of medicine correctly or remembered to include the dosage.  Don’t forget to mention things like what vitamins you take, if you are allergic to any medicine, now's the time to mention it.  
• Family history. Your doctor isn't being nosy when he or she asks about the health problems of your siblings, parents, children, grandchildren, and grandparents, and at what age they developed. Certain cancers, heart disease, high cholesterol, mental illness, diabetes, and hypertension all run in families. Talk to your parents and grandparents so they can help you compile as complete and accurate a profile as possible. Have them fill out a family medical history information sheet, which you can share with your doctor.
• Social history. Your lifestyle influences your health, so your doctor likely will ask who lives at your home, what your diet is like, and whether you have a pet. Your doctor will also ask what your exercise routine is, how much sleep you get each night, whether you smoke or take drugs, and how often (if ever) you use alcohol.
• Your doctor's experience and practice philosophy. Sharing information is a two-way street, so get some answers too. Ask where your doctor went to medical school, how long he or she has been practicing, what special interests they have, and whether he or she has a particular approach to treating patients. 

All of this information should play a part in your doctor’s decisions on treatments and recommendations for your health, so be prepared to discuss all of these points prior to your appointment!