Patient Resources

It is best to think about your visit at least days in advance. It is encouraged to make a list of questions ahead of time on paper or electronically and bring the list to your appointment. It may be necessary for you to ask the same question more than once to make sure you get and understand the complete answer.

Some Tips to Consider

• Prioritize your concerns
• Write down all medicine, supplement and dosage you currently take
• Be prepared to explain pain event onset, problem provocation, quality and region of pain, time and frequency of pain
• Have all prior medical tests and results printed out and documented for your visit
• Compile all family medical records or a list of familial health conditions for your doctor to see
• Create a list of all past and current doctors and if possible, record their contact information
• Bring a family member or trusted friend with you (will help remind you what you want to discuss and take notes of what doctor said)
• If applies, make sure you have appropriate reading glasses and good functioning hearing aid
• Request/bring an interpreter if needed

Possible Questions to Ask

1. What caused my problem? Will it be permanent in nature?
2. What are my treatment options including pros, cons, side effects, and complications of each treatment choice? Will there be long-term effects on my life?
3. If there are any alternative ways to treat me, please describe them as well as their pros and cons, including “no treatment.”
4. Could you give me an estimate of the length of time to see improvement or resolution of my issue?
5. What can I do to help manage my condition or symptoms at home? How can I learn more about my condition?
6. What should I do if my symptoms change or get worse?
7. Why am I taking the test you prescribed?
8. What steps does the test involve and how should I prepare for it?
9. Are there any side effects?
10. How long will it take to get the results? Who will discuss and explain those results to me?
11. What will we know after the test?

Credible medical sources for patients

Mayo Clinic Patient Care & Health Information

Mayo Clinic is a renowned medical institution known for its expertise and patient-centered care. Their patient care and health information section offers a wide range of reliable resources on various medical conditions, treatments, medications, and self-care tips.
Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-care-and-health-information

MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, providing trusted and up-to-date health information. The website offers easy-to-understand information on medical conditions, drugs, supplements, and interactive tutorials. It’s designed for both patients and their families.
Website: https://medlineplus.gov

MedlinePlus is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, providing trusted and up-to-date health information. The website offers easy-to-understand information on medical conditions, drugs, supplements, and interactive tutorials. It’s designed for both patients and their families.
Website: https://medlineplus.gov

Living Well with a Serious Illness

Robin Bennett Kanarek was a registered nurse working with patients suffering from chronic medical conditions when her ten-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia. As her son endured grueling treatments, Robin realized how often medical professionals overlook critical psychological, emotional, and spiritual support for people with life-threatening illnesses. Living Well with a Serious Illness is the culmination of decades of Robin’s work to advance the field of palliative care.

Although palliative care is often associated with hospice and end-of-life planning, Kanarek argues for a more expanded definition that incorporates palliative care earlier in patients’ journeys. Living Well with a Serious Illness helps patients and their caregivers understand

• what palliative care entails
• how to access the support they need when going through a serious illness
• what questions to ask medical professionals 
• how to navigate advanced care planning
• definitions of common terminology used with end-of-life planning
• the importance of spiritual care, coping strategies, and emotional support
• how to become an advocate for palliative care

This book illuminates the importance of seeing patients as individuals who can benefit from care for their body, mind, and spirit—the core tenet of palliative care.

In Case of Emergency (ICE) Form

This is a detailed “In Case of Emergency” form that you may want to fill out, providing very important information to your loved ones, if you suddenly are incapacitated.  You can fill out the form on-line, if you’d like, and save or print copies for yourself & loved ones.