How to Help Seniors Make the Most of Doctor Visits

Aging involves changes in health, physical ability, and medical risks. On average, older adults in the US tend to be in a healthcare setting about 17 days a year. Given how common (and often necessary) it is for seniors to interact with doctors, it is important to help seniors navigate doctor visits well.

A Start-to-Finish Doctor Visit Checklist

For many seniors, doctor’s visits are stressful. Use this checklist to help ease anxiety.

• Arrange transportation to and from appointments

• Identify whether or not a companion is necessary for the visit

• Check if the appointment or associated tests require seniors to contact their insurance company ahead of time for pre-certification or other purposes

Pack everything needed for a successful appointment:

• Insurance cards

• Photo ID

• Payment for co-pays or other charges

• Contact information for other doctors

• List of current medications

• List of allergies/medical conditions

• Medical records, if needed

• A list of questions for the doctor

• A notepad or device for note-taking

Verify at checkout after the appointment:

• If further testing or labs are required

• When new prescriptions should be picked up

• If there are instructions or treatment notes seniors can take home with them

• When follow-up appointments are scheduled

• If any payment is due