Care Companion Advocates

Specialty Visit Checklist

Specialists are different than primary care doctors — it’s important to be prepared.

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Specialty visits often involve unfamiliar terms, focused questions, and big decisions. A little prep helps you get the most out of your time.

1.

Before the appointment

Confirm the date, time, clinic name, and location
Ask if there are special instructions before the visit, like fasting or arriving early
Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and any referral or approval paperwork
Check whether the specialist received your records, test results, imaging, or referral notes
Write down your main symptoms or concerns
Note when symptoms started, how often they happen, and whether they are getting worse, better, or staying the same
Track anything that seems to trigger symptoms or make them better
Make a list of all medications, vitamins, supplements, and doses
Bring a list of allergies and any bad reactions to medicines
Write down your medical history, past surgeries, and major health conditions
Bring copies of recent labs, scans, procedure reports, or visit notes if you have them
Prepare a short timeline of your symptoms and care so far
Write down the names of other doctors involved in your care
Prepare questions you want to ask
Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes
Bring a support person if the visit may feel overwhelming or involve a lot of information

Care Companion Advocates

Specialty Visit Checklist

Continued — during the appointment

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2.

During the appointment

Explain your main concern first
Share your symptom timeline clearly
Describe how symptoms affect your daily life, work, sleep, movement, or eating
Mention pain levels, triggers, and what helps or makes things worse
Tell the specialist what treatments, medicines, or therapies you have already tried
Share any past test results or diagnoses related to this problem
Ask what they think may be causing the issue
Ask whether they are considering more than one possible cause
Ask what tests, imaging, or procedures may be needed and why
Ask what treatment options are available
Ask which option they recommend first and why
Ask about risks, side effects, recovery time, and alternatives
Ask what happens if you choose to wait or do nothing

Care Companion Advocates

Specialty Visit Checklist

Continued — after the appointment

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3.

After the appointment

Write down the diagnosis or what the specialist suspects
Confirm the plan: tests, medications, referrals, lifestyle changes
Ask for written instructions if anything is unclear
Ask what warning signs should prompt a call or ER visit
Confirm follow-up timing and who will contact whom
Request that a copy of the visit note be shared with your primary care provider
Ask how to reach the clinic with follow-up questions
4.

Good questions to remember

When in doubt, ask: "Can you say that in plain language?" You deserve to understand.

What does this diagnosis mean for my daily life?
What are my options, and what would you recommend for me specifically?
What happens if this treatment does not work?
Do I need a second opinion before deciding?
What should I watch for between now and my next visit?
5.

Your notes