A. Before the Appointment

 

1. Confirm the Details  

• Date and time  
• Adress of the clinic or department  
• Appointment slip or referral letter  
• Any booking codes or hospital card  

This helps avoid delays or missed appointments.

     2. Gather Your Medical Information  

• Past medical records  
• Test results (lab, scan, x-ray)  
• Current medications including over the counter and herbal
• Allergies  
• Past surgeries or chronic conditions  

Doctors can make better decisions when they see your full medical history.

    3. Write Down Your Symptoms   

• When they started  
• What makes them better or worse  
• How often they occur  
• How severe they feel  

This makes your conversation with the doctor more accurate and faster.

  4. Preparing Questions  

Most patients forget to ask important questions during consultations. Write down questions such as:

• “What could be causing my symptoms?”  
• “Do I need tests?”  
• “What should I do if symptoms worsen?”  
• “Are there side effects to this medication?” 
• “How can I prevent this sickness in future?”

This improves your health literacy and future seeking behaviour.

 

5.  Arrange Payment or Insurance    

• Cash or ATM card  
• Health insurance ID  
• HMO/NHIS authorization code  

B. On the Day of the Appointment

 

1.  Arrive Early  

 

Get to the hospital 30 minutes before your time. This helps you:  

• Locate the right department  
• Fill out necessary forms  
• Secure a queue number (important in Nigerian hospitals like LASUTH)  

 

2. Dress Comfortably  

Loose-fitting clothes make it easier if you need to be examined, have your blood pressure checked, or undergo tests.

 

3. Carry a Notebook or Use Your Phone  

Jot down:  

• Doctor’s instructions  
• Diagnosis  
• Medication names  
• Follow-up steps  

 

Taking notes is a way of documenting important information.

 

4. Bring a Trusted Person (Optional)

If you feel anxious, bring a friend or family member for emotional support and to help remember instructions.

 

C. During the Appointment

 

1. Be clear  

Tell your doctor exactly how you feel, don’t hide symptoms out of fear or embarrassment.

 

2. Ask for Clarification  

If you don’t understand medical terms, ask the doctor to explain simply.  

 

3. Discuss All Medications and Supplements

 

Include:  

• Prescribed drugs  
• Over-the-counter medicines  
• Herbal remedies or supplements  

This prevents harmful drug interactions.

 

4. Confirm Next Steps  

Before leaving, make sure you know:  

• Tests to do  
• When to return  
• How to take your medications  
• Warning signs to watch for  

 

D. After the Appointment

 

1.  Follow Your Treatment Plan  

 

Take medicines exactly as prescribed.  

 

2. Complete Tests Promptly  

 

Don’t delay scans or labs. Early action leads to proper diagnosis.

 

3. Track Your Symptoms  

 

If your condition improves, worsens, or stays the same, note it.

This helps the doctor during your next visit.

 

4. Book Follow-Ups Early  

 

Don’t wait until symptoms return.