Appointment Planner

Planning for appointments with members of your health care team...

Sometimes it's hard to know which questions to ask your healthcare provider and to make your feelings known.

Asking questions and seeking out information will help you be informed and make good choices about your health and daily life.

The Epilepsy Foundation has developed an appointment planner to help you plan in advance for your appointments and to follow through on the recommendations of your doctor, nurse and other members of your health care team. The appointment planner is for women of all ages.

Whether you are going through puberty, planning a pregnancy or experiencing menopause, you will find areas important to you and to the rest of your health care team.

• Some health care providers appreciate your letting them know your questions before or at the beginning of an appointment so they can address your concerns throughout the visit.
  
  
• If time is limited, ask the questions most important to you first or ask in advance for a longer time to be scheduled.
  
  
• It may be difficult to discuss personal issues such as sexuality or feelings of depression. However, doing so will give members of your health care team the information they need to work with you to develop the best treatment plan.
  
  
• Often a nurse or social worker who works with your doctor will have more time to talk with you at your appointment, by phone, or during a separate visit.
  
  
• Remember, your doctor is one member of your health care team. Don't hesitate to involve all team members -- you, your doctor, nurse, social worker or counselor, ob/gyn, specialists, family members and friends -- in your care.

To Use the Planner

When you open the file in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader you will be able to fill in the forms on-screen. Type in your information, and then print out the form. If you prefer, you can print the document first and write in any notes by hand.

If you are unable to print this document or you have problems downloading, please send us your name and address in order to receive a free copy by mail.