While consultations may look a little different as the world becomes more digitalised, the goal remains the same: a collaborative relationship between you and your health professional. Preparing for your consultation makes sure that you make the most of this relationship, and work together towards better health outcomes.
Anxious about what to say in your next appointment? Here’s a rundown of what to expect in a follow up appointment so you can feel prepared and confident going into the discussion.
When should I schedule a follow up appointment?
It’s a good idea to check in with a doctor 4–6 weeks after your initial appointment to discuss how your treatment has been working and if you’ve experienced any side effects. Your doctor will decide if they need to make any changes to your treatment plan, such as adjusting the dosage.
What is a treatment plan?
A treatment plan is a roadmap guiding patients through their recovery or management of health issues. At the end of your initial consult, your doctor may have discussed which medication they would prescribe and when to take it.
A treatment plan is the reference point your health professional will use during follow up appointments to make sure you’re on the right path. Here’s why it’s important:
- Consistency: Taking your plant-based therapies consistently maximises their efficacy.
- Monitoring: It helps both you and your health professional monitor the effects or side effects of the treatment.
- Progress: Following the plan can help track your progress, making it easier to adjust or continue as needed.
How do I keep track of a treatment plan?
Keeping a record of your experiences with your treatment may be helpful so you are prepared to discuss what has or hasn’t worked with the doctor in your follow-up appointment.
Track your experiences with the treatment by keeping a health journal. This could be as easy as writing down your dosage, time of day, how you felt while using the treatment (physically and mentally) and any side effects you experienced. You may start noticing patterns and you can take note of any overall improvements.
Why follow up consults matter
Follow-up appointments are not just a routine. They’re an essential part of your health journey. Here’s why:
- Personalised care: Health is dynamic, and your needs might change over time. Regular check-ins make sure that your treatment adapts to these changes.
- Feedback: Sharing your experience about how the treatment is affecting you can lead to better health solutions. If a particular medicine isn’t working for you, the sooner your health professional knows, the sooner they can make necessary adjustments.
- Trust: Transparent conversations build trust. By being open with your health professional, you create a space where you can feel comfortable discussing questions or concerns.
Now, you might wonder, what if I forget something? Or, how do I convey everything in a telehealth appointment? Here’s where preparation steps in.
How do I prepare for a follow up appointment?
Here are just some of the ways you can prepare for your follow up appointment:
Before the appointment
- Review your treatment plan: Familiarise yourself with the medicines or therapies you’re on. Jot down any queries or concerns.
- Note symptoms: Have you noticed any new symptoms or changes in existing ones? Make a list.
- Environment: Make sure you’re in a quiet place with a stable internet connection.
- Device ready: Check your device’s battery, camera and microphone.
- Medicines at hand: If discussing medication, have them nearby for easy reference.
During the appointment
- Be punctual: If your appointment is a video call, log in a few minutes early.
- Open conversation: Start by summarising how you’ve felt since the last appointment. Share successes and challenges.
- Ask questions: This is your health journey. Don’t hesitate to ask, clarify, or express concerns. There are no silly questions here!
- Take notes: Jot down important points or changes in your treatment plan.
After the appointment
- Review: Reflect on what was discussed. Revisit your notes.
- Implement changes: If there were any modifications in your treatment, start making those changes.
- Order medicine: If you’ve run out of medicine or you need to get a new treatment to follow your doctor’s plan, wait for your script to be uploaded and then order your treatment. If you met with a doctor through myeden’s network, your script will automatically be uploaded within two business days. If you had a consult with an independent clinic or your own GP, you’ll need to upload your script once it’s ready.
Ready to speak to a doctor who gets it? Book an online consult.
