MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR LLMD VISIT
By Melanie Reber

1. Arrive prepared and on time. Research ahead of time and educate yourself on possible treatment options. Be aware of your limited time. Write down your questions before each visit. Make a short list of the topics that you wish to cover. Prioritize your questions and agenda.keep it simple.

There will be MUCH discussed, so most of us can benefit by having a family member or friend attend with us as an extra set of ears. If this isn't possible, consider taking a tape recorder along.

2. Provide copies of your health records, including pictures of any unusual rashes that you have had and the results of any laboratory tests. Bring any important abstracts, medical papers, etc. which support your specific requests.

3. Always discuss your most important current and past symptoms. Have this typed out to leave with your doctor for your file. This is an important base for future comparison. Keep a weekly medical log in which to graph your symptom progress: types, amounts, and dates of all medications taken and any other pertinent health related issues and take this with you.

4. Ask for some basic parameters as far as what to expect. When will your test results be available? What are the signs that things are getting better, worse, or not changing? How long should you expect to stay on this protocol? Who should you contact should an emergency arise? Is the Doctor available for phone consultations? When should your next appointment be? Will he consult with your regular physician?

5. Be sure you have your prescriptions in hand and understand completely the recommended protocol. Make certain that you have all of your questions answered now while you have the doctor.s attention.

6. Before you leave, be sure to sign for release of all office records for yourself and your regular physician. Although it is important to have a home based physician, do not be surprised if they leave your treatment for Tick Borne Diseases to your LLMD. It is however, important that you build a team effort approach to your healthcare early, so be certain that each physician is aware of any health issues.

7. Set up your next appointment now.

* Reprinted with permission from author.