Write the main question first
Start with the concern you most want to discuss and what has changed. Add when it began, how it affects daily life and what you have already tried. A timeline is often easier to follow than a long collection of disconnected details.
If there are several concerns, list them in order of importance and tell the clinician at the beginning. Ask which can be covered today and how to arrange another appointment for the rest.
Bring the information that travels with you
Prepare an accurate list of medicines, supplements, allergies, relevant previous treatment and recent tests. Include who currently prescribes ongoing treatment. Bring existing reports rather than expecting a new service to have access to every previous record.
Explain communication, mobility, language or other access needs when arranging the appointment where possible. Ask whether a supporter can attend if that would help you understand and remember the discussion.
Leave with a next-step note
Your appointment notes
- My main concern and what has changed:
- The questions I want answered:
- My current medicines and relevant results:
- The next action and who is responsible:
- When and how I will hear back:
- Who to contact if the plan changes:
Copy or print this prompt list for your own use. Do not enter personal medical details into site search.
If you are being referred
Ask which service is receiving the referral, what it is being asked to assess and how acceptance will be confirmed. Keep any booking reference and contact information. A referral begins an assessment pathway; it is not confirmation of a diagnosis or treatment.
Before leaving, explain the plan back in your own words if anything is uncertain. Clarify what you should do while waiting and how to raise a new concern with the appropriate care team.
Five questions to take with you
Tick a question when you have an answer. These reminders stay on this page and are not saved.
0 of 5 questions answered
Your questions, answered
What if I have several concerns?
List them in order of importance and mention the list at the start. Ask the clinician which can be covered in the available time and how to arrange another appointment for the rest. This is more useful than leaving an important concern until the final minute.
Can someone come with me?
Ask the service about bringing a supporter when booking, particularly if they could help with communication or remembering the discussion. Explain what assistance would be useful. The clinician can also discuss consent and privacy so your preferences are clear during the appointment.
What should I write down after the appointment?
Record the agreed next step, the person or service responsible, the expected timing and any instructions provided by the clinician. Include the contact route for missing results or unclear arrangements. Keep this note with the report instead of relying on memory alone.
Sources & further reading
Source material checked 20 October 2026. Follow the original publication to check current arrangements. The source labels describe the publisher; they are not a quality rating.
- NHS: referrals for specialist care ↗NHS or public authoritynhs.uk