A health care visit is an appointment with a health care professional (physician, specialist, or nurse practitioner) to discuss an assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or preventive care for a health condition or concern.
Tips & Links
Understand that the term “health care visit” can also apply to other care professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or naturopaths. In some cases, the visit may be offered in person or virtually, via phone or video conference.
Preparing for the Visit
- Be aware that a physician visit is usually scheduled for 10 minutes to discuss one or two health issues.
- Prepare ahead for a health care visit. Take time to review your health condition and note any new concerns or symptoms, and/or side effects to any medications or treatments.
- Review and update your Health Profile and Medication List. Bring it with you in print or be able to access it digitally on your phone.
- Write down or record on your phone any questions you may have before your appointment. Choose 1-2 key concerns to discuss.
- Plan with your health advocate, questions you want answered and how the answers and information given during the visit can be recorded.
- Things to bring with you: Your personal/ provincial health number (PHN) on your driver’s license or BC Services card, updated health profile and medication list, list of questions and goals for the visit, and your health advocate to take notes, record instructions, and offer support.
- Review the College of Physicians and Surgeons in BC standards of ‘What to Expect from Your Physician”.
During the Visit
- Be confident about your patient rights, ask questions, and request more detailed explanations if needed.
- Introduce and bring your health advocate into the appointment with you for support and to remind you of your questions and concerns.
- Ask your health advocate to record the information discussed, If recording the conversation on your phone – ask for permission in advance.
- Share with your physician or nurse practitioner any supplementary therapies you are having (such as physiotherapy, massage, or acupuncture), the results, and any benefits and/or side effects.
- Confirm information in your health profile and review your medication list. Make sure all information is up-to-date (including over the counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements) and it matches your medical and/or electronic health record (EHR).
- Request copies of test results or teaching handouts in print or digitally (ask for them to be emailed) for your own records.
Things You Can Do
- Ask for clear explanations about your condition or diagnosis and prognosis. Ask how this diagnosis could impact your life, including its effects on your physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being, and the prognosis or expected outcome of this condition.
- Learn what treatment options are available to you, such as medications, therapies, lifestyle changes, and/or surgery.
- Understand your patient rights including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the right to refuse or accept care.
- Learn how to follow-up on a referral. 1) Confirm that the referral was sent. 2) Call the referred office to ensure they received it. 3)Ask for available dates and request to be added to the cancellation list.
Tools & Videos
Categories: My Health Information, Senior
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