Get the Most from your Visit to the Doctor: Remember POP 

by Rebecca Shafir

P PREPARE questions, a list of complaints, patterns of symptoms. Indicate what you think is the cause. Prioritize your top 2-3 concerns. Leave the others in writing for your doctor to address later. 

O ONLY 10 minutes, is all the time you may get with your doctor. No long-winded stories. Get to the point. Avoid irrelevant topics or arguments with family members. 

P PARAPHRASE. Tell back how you understand your doctor’s recommendations. This will help clarify any confusion and help you remember more from the discussion.