Patient guide
How to prepare for your first specialist visit
A short checklist to make the most of a 20-minute consultation.
A specialist appointment is often short. A little preparation helps you cover the things that matter and leaves less to follow up later.
Bring the right information
Bring your ID, a list of current medications and doses, recent test results, and any referral letter. A short timeline of your symptoms — when they started and what makes them better or worse — is more useful than a long story.
Write down your questions
Three or four questions written on your phone are easier to remember than trying to recall everything in the room. Ask about the likely diagnosis, the options, and what happens next.
Plan the follow-up
Before you leave, confirm whether you need another appointment, how results will reach you and who to contact if something changes. Your family doctor should receive a summary so your care stays joined up.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Speak to a doctor about your own situation.