Slightly different from your Health Story, that we discussed in Part 2 of this series, your medical history gives your doctor a complete historical account of your health. Your complete medical history will include: a list of your conditions/diagnoses; a list of medications; list of previous surgeries; a list of previous hospitalizations; a list of immunizations; a list of allergies; doctor visit summaries and notes; hospital discharge summaries; test results; a social health history; and a family health history.

While your doctor will receive the majority of this information when you share your medical records with their office – to be discussed in the next part of this series – it is still important, as a patient, to: 1) understand the importance of your medical history as a part of your overall medical journey, and 2) identify any errors or additions in your medical history.

When visiting a doctor, every minute counts in ensuring you leave the appointment satisfied. With the average length of a primary care appointment lasting just 18 minutes – and the average length of a specialist appointment lasting only a bit longer – as a patient you have limited time to share your story with your doctor, and what and how you tell that story can make a difference in your care.

So what can you do ahead of your appointment to make the most of those 18 minutes? With our tips below, you’ll be more than prepared when the doctor asks you, “what brings you in today?”

As a patient, it can be challenging to speak up in an appointment. You may sense time pressure from short appointment times. You may be hesitant to raise uncomfortable questions. You may not know how to prioritize your concerns.

But – with some quick preparation prior to your appointment – you can set the tone for your appointment experience and make sure you leave satisfied. It all lies in creating an agenda.