Recently I went to my first appointment in Boston. If you’ve ever transferred from one doctor to another, you know just how hard it can be. In fact, I’m still trying to get files from one to the other. It can be totally time consuming when you’re just trying to get the care you need, while integrating appointments into your already busy schedule.

In this post, I wanted to give you a quick step by step plan to prepare for your visit, whether it’s your first time seeing a GI doctor, you’re transferring from one office to another, or going to a new doctor in general.

1. Be Confident
   It’s their job to help you and they should expect you to come with questions.
   This is your life and you chose them!

2. Have Past Tests Handy
   Even if you’ve transferred files to another practice, ask for copies of everything for your own records. Even if you ask for, “everything,” to be sent to the new practice, if you’re not specific, odds are they’ll leave a few tests behind that your new doctor will ask you for. Having backup copies on hand will eliminate the process of going back and forth!

3. Get Organized
   The night before your appointment, lay out your clothes and pack everything you’ll need. Especially if you have to go to your appointment from work, you don’t want to be rushing in the morning and forget something!

4. Advocate for Yourself
   Although it’s your doctor’s job to help you, it’s important to speak up and give them an idea of your lifestyle. Giving them an idea of the bigger picture can help them make decisions and prescribe treatment plans best suited to your needs/other conditions.

5. Ask for a Second Opinion
   If the doctor is pushing for a treatment plan that isn’t feeling right to you, there is no harm in asking for a second opinion … preferably at a different practice. You will not be offending anyone. It is your body.

6. Talk to a Therapist
   Organizing doctor’s visits and insurance all while dealing with your disease or condition can be more than a lot to handle. While talking to a therapist may seem like one extra thing on your plate, see the one hour a week as an integral part to your self care routine. Having someone to vent to who isn’t a friend has helped me tremendously. I struggle with intense feelings of guilt when, “ranting,” to my friends, and while that is truly something only I feel and isn’t my friends’ fault, just having a professional who can help me think through my emotions and stressors in a healthy way has helped me immensely.

The video below is what I pack in my hospital bag for appointments if you’re interested!