VOL I ISSUE III • page 1
A Newsletter brought to you by Health New England
in this issue

How to make the
most of your visit
to the doctor
Page 1

Living Well with Chronic Conditions Program Expansion Planned Page 2

Diabetes Supplies
and Services
Page 3

Health Management Class Schedule
Page 4

Enter the
“Success Story Contest” Page 5

Feeling better in
the summer?
Jay Pomerantz, MD
Page 6

Peak Flow-
Important Measure
Page 7

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT TO THE DOCTOR

When you inform your doctor about how you are managing your condition and when you bring specific questions to his or her attention, you will notice an improvement in your doctor’s office visit. Not only will you get the information you need and get answers to your questions, but you and your doctor will have a higher level of satisfaction! Follow these tips and use the chart below as a reference.

What Everyone Can Do

  • Write down the questions you want to ask the doctor and bring the list with you to the visit.
  • Bring a written record of your symptoms and of the medication or methods you have used to relieve symptoms – keep a journal or diary. Be sure to include all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal remedies.
  • Ask if you should make any changes to your current treatment or medication.
  • Ask the doctor to repeat or explain anything that you don’t understand, and ask for written instructions.
  • Be honest about whether or not you have been following the doctor’s instructions. If you haven’t, then explain to your doctor why so that he or she can make modifications if appropriate.
  • Follow your doctor’s recommendations so that he or she can get a true picture of how you are managing your condition.
If You Have Asthma,
When You Visit the Doctor You Can: 		If You Have Diabetes,
When You Visit the Doctor You Can:
Bring your written Asthma Action Plan for review and update. Take off your shoes and socks so the doctor can examine your feet.
If you don’t have a written plan, ask thedoctor to develop one with you. Ask if you are due for an HbA1c blood test – you should have this test 3-4 times each year.
Show the doctor your asthma diary including daily peak flow levels. Ask if you are due for an annual dilated retinal eye exam.
Report worsening or improvement of asthma symptoms. For example, report if you have been awakening at night or finding that you are using your rescue inhaler every day. Bring the record of your blood glucose levels – written record or electronically stored in the glucometer.
Perform a peak flow measure for the doctor. This will help your doctor check your technique to see if you are doing it right. Discuss your blood glucose levels and ask if they are within the normal range, too low, or too high. Learn what the numbers mean, if you do not know.
Show the doctor how you use your inhalers. Be sure to include how often you use them. Report low and high blood sugar reactions, what you did to treat them and how often they have occurred since your last visit.
Discuss medication names, doses and times to be taken. Review your diet and nutrition management.
Ask what medication you should take for daily asthma control. Discuss exercise and physical activity.
Ask what rescue medication you should use to relieve flare-ups of asthma symptoms. Review your diabetes medication doses and times to be taken – insulin and/or pills
All information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. For specific information or advice related to your medical needs, please consult your Primary Care Physician.