Doctor Visit Prep

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name: doctor-visit-prep displayName: "Doctor Visit Prep" version: "1.0.0" description: "Prepare a focused appointment agenda, symptom timeline, question list, and follow-up notes for any clinician visit." triggerKeywords: [doctor visit, doctor appointment, prepare for doctor, medical appointment, clinic visit, health appointment, see doctor] tags: [health-literacy, doctor-prep, patient-advocacy, appointment, healthcare-navigation] healthSafety: "This skill is informational only. It does not diagnose, treat, prescribe, or replace professional medical advice."

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Doctor Visit Prep

Health & Safety Boundary

This skill provides a framework for preparing for medical appointments. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, or replace the clinical judgment of your healthcare provider. It is a communication and organization tool only.

When to Use / When Not to Use

Use this skill when you want to:

Organize your thoughts and symptoms before a medical appointment.

Prepare structured questions for your clinician.

Create a timeline of health changes to share during the visit.

Plan for follow-up after the appointment.

Do not use this skill to:

Self-diagnose based on symptom lists.

Expect a specific diagnosis or treatment outcome.

Replace urgent care or emergency services for acute symptoms.

Ignore the clinician's assessment in favor of your own preparation.

Pre-Appointment Preparation

Gather Your Information

Before the visit, collect:

Current medication list (including over-the-counter and supplements).

Allergies and their reactions.

Past medical history relevant to the current concern.

Insurance and identification information.

Names and contact information of other healthcare providers you see.

Symptom Timeline Template

Create a clear timeline of what brought you to the appointment:

| Date | Symptom | Severity (1–10) | What Helped / What Worsened | Notes | |------|---------|-----------------|-----------------------------|-------| | YYYY-MM-DD | Description | X | e.g., rest helped, exertion worsened | e.g., missed work |

Priority Questions

Identify your top 3 questions. Rank them by importance in case time is limited:

1. ___________________________________ 2. ___________________________________ 3. ___________________________________

During the Appointment

Opening the Conversation

Share your main concern briefly and clearly.

Mention when the problem started and how it has changed.

Bring your symptom timeline for reference.

Active Listening & Clarification

If you do not understand something, ask the clinician to explain in simpler terms.

Repeat back what you heard to confirm understanding.

Ask for written instructions or summaries if helpful.

Key Questions to Consider

What do you think might be causing my symptoms?

What tests, if any, do you recommend?

What are the possible next steps?

Are there lifestyle changes I should consider?

When should I follow up if things do not improve?

What symptoms would warrant urgent attention?

Note-Taking Template

| Topic | What the Clinician Said | My Notes / Questions | |-------|------------------------|----------------------| | Diagnosis / Assessment | | | | Tests Ordered | | | | Treatment Plan | | | | Lifestyle Advice | | | | Follow-Up Plan | | |

After the Appointment

Review Your Notes

Re-read your notes while the visit is fresh.

Clarify anything you wrote down but do not fully understand.

Follow-Up Tasks

Schedule any recommended tests or referrals.

Fill prescriptions as directed.

Update your personal health records if you keep them.

Set reminders for follow-up appointments.

If You Disagree or Feel Uncertain

It is okay to seek a second opinion.

You can ask for a follow-up call or message if questions arise after the visit.

Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member to future appointments.

Appointment Types: Special Considerations

First Visit with a New Provider

Bring a summary of your medical history.

Be ready to discuss family health history.

Ask about the provider's communication preferences (portal, phone, email).

Follow-Up Visit

Review what has changed since the last visit.

Note whether previous recommendations helped.

Update your medication list if anything changed.

Urgent Care Visit

Focus on the acute problem.

Bring your regular medication list.

Ask what follow-up is needed with your primary clinician.

When to Seek Emergency Care Instead

Go to emergency services or call emergency numbers if you experience:

Chest pain or pressure.

Difficulty breathing.

Severe bleeding that does not stop.

Sudden confusion, weakness, or difficulty speaking.

Severe allergic reaction.

Suicidal thoughts or intent to harm yourself or others.

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*Differentiation: There is no existing appointment-prep-specific skill. This skill is a communication and organization framework — no diagnostic content, no treatment recommendations, no medical decision-making.*