When accompanying someone you care for to a doctor’s appointment, it is important that you ensure they receive the highest level of care. Whether it is your spouse, parent or grandparent, caregivers should arrive to the appointment ready with questions and information that may be important.

Here are some tips for caregivers to make the most of their loved one’s visit.

1. Talk With Your Loved One

Prior to the doctor’s visit, sit down and discuss what information is important to bring up to the physician and what questions you may want to ask. By doing this, you help to ensure that the visit is productive, and that both you and your loved one are comfortable with what will be discussed with the doctor.

2. Make a List of Prescriptions

With modern electronic medical records like Epic, the software used to manage medical records at Ochsner Health System, providers can access medical records and prescriptions electronically without the need of old-fashioned patient records on paper. With this being said, it is still helpful to make a list of the medications and dosage your loved one is taking, including over-the-counter medications and vitamins, to make sure all current and new prescriptions interact safely.

3. Call Ahead

If possible, call the clinic ahead of your visit to make them aware of any needs that your loved one may have, like a wheelchair. This is also a good time to find out what types of tests and procedures your loved one may need to be prepared for during the visit.

4. Take Notes

During the course of a physician’s visit, a lot of information is coming your way in a short period of time. Be sure to take reliable notes during the appointment so that you can have a reference point for important information gained when you get home.

5. Speak Up

At the end of the day, you are there to make sure your loved one receives all of the care they require and stays as healthy as possible. Be sure to raise any questions you may have and request clarification if you or your loved one does not understand what the provider is saying.