Your Visit

We are partners in the care of your child and want your visit to our office to be a worthwhile experience.  Please review this information before your appointment.

Before coming to your GPPA visit, think about the following:

• Are your symptoms better or worse since your last visit?

• Are the problems constant, or do they come and go?

• Do your medications seem to be working?

• Are you having any side effects from your medicines?

• Check on your supply of medications.  How many refills are remaining?

• Bring your medications with you to your visit so that we are certain of the strength and dose of your medicine.

• Are you sure you are using your inhalers correctly?  Bring them with you and we will check your technique.

• Bring a list of your questions for the doctor or mid-level provider.

At the visit:

• Ask all your questions.  Show your list to the doctor or mid-level provider.  You may want to write down the answers to refer to later.

• Review any instructions you are given about medicines or lab tests

• Remember, you have a right and a responsibility to understand answers to your questions.

• Be sure you describe all your symptoms to the doctor even if they seem unimportant to you.

• Review all medications including the time you take the medicine, how much to take and possible side effects.

• Ask for a written treatment plan that tells you what to do everyday as well as when you are sick

Remember:
Please let your doctor or mid-level provider know if you need your prescriptions written for a mail-away pharmacy with 90 day supplies.

Ask for a technique check for a respiratory therapist or nurse at every visit.  This helps to make sure you are using your medications correctly.

Don’t be embarrassed to bring up issues of medication cost and convenience.

Let your GPPA doctor or mid-level know if you think the instructions are too complicated or inconvenient to follow.  Ask for choices.  Work with your doctor or mid-level provider to get the best plan for you and your child.

Don’t be afraid to take some time to think over important decisions.  You can follow-up on your visit by phone if you would like to discuss your care further.