5 Things to take to a specialist visit
Specialists are notorious for not keeping time in their practices. This can lead to long waiting times and frustration to patients. Assist your specialist reduce waiting times.
Notepad
Patients remember the most important complaint as they about to walk out the door of the consulting room.
Write down your:
- Main complaint
- Previous medical and surgical history
- Allergies
Medication
Before visiting your specialist, you would have been seen by other health care practitioners who might have prescribed medication for you. It is important you know the names and dosages of the medication you are taking. Better still just bring all of them.
Previous investigations
Any tests you may have conducted in relation to your main complaint that you are bringing to your specialist namely:
- Blood tests
- Referral letter
- Special investigations: Echo, EEG, Nerve conduction studies etc.
- Radiology imaging: X-rays, CT scans, MRI etc.
Dress lightly
Your specialist will need to examine you. This may require you to (partially) undress. Please try to wear a minimum of easy to get on and off clothing items.
Consultation fee
Specialist fees are payable by medical aid, cash, card or EFT on arrangement. Please find out the fee and the payment method accepted by your specialist. Don’t forget your ID and Medical aid card. Remember to request an invoice when paying in cash to submit to your medical aid for partial or full refund.
Bonus – Road to Health Card
Parents bring this card along. This is how your specialist will know the child’s
- Birth history
- Immunization
- Development charts
- Medical history