Doctor - IPPF

Preparing for your doctor’s appointment can help you get the most from your visit. Taking an active role in your care will make you an empowered patient. In addition, proactively learning about your disease will improve your healthcare and treatment experience. Collecting the information needed before a doctor’s appointment can ensure that you are organized and strengthen your doctor-patient relationship. Here are ten tips on how to prepare for the visit that will assist you in feeling better when you leave the doctor’s office.

1. Have all your questions answered. Bring a checklist, and be ready to take notes

2. Schedule enough time & bring your prescriptions

3. Address priorities first & clarify concerns

4. Remember to say “Thank You”

5. Learn what tests are needed before the visit (if any)

6. Have copies of your medical records

7. Get a summary of your visit when you leave

8. Fill out medical release to get your records

9. Be patient

10. Be confident and share your knowledge

Sometimes it is valuable to gain a second, third, or even fourth opinion when seeking a treatment for pemphigus and pemphigoid. Additional opinions also provide an opportunity for you to learn more about your condition and it can offer some peace of mind that you are approaching your disease with the best chance for a favorable outcome.

Remember, if you have questions don’t be afraid to “Ask a Coach” because when you need us we are in your corner!

When you decide to take a trip outside of the state where you live it is a wise idea to make sure that you have enough medications with you to last the length of your trip.

Important information to keep on you while traveling: a medical identification card and insurance card. It is important to have a medical identification card on you to show all pertinent information regarding your condition and all other conditions that you may have. You can purchase blank medical information cards at your local drug store, and fill them out with your medical information (Example Medical Information Card). It is important that you list all of the medication that you are taking to treat your pemphigus, pemphigoid, or any other illnesses to let medical professionals know, so that they don’t put you on any treatments that could counteract what you are currently taking.

If you have a smartphone (iPhone, Android, etc.) that has a health app (example: iPhone Health App) I suggest you fill it out. You can list medical conditions, allergies, medications (name of drug and dosage), doctor(s), emergency contacts, organ donor status, weight, height, and more! Having this information filled out can be very helpful to you at all times, but can be especially helpful during traveling if anything were to happen.

I also suggest that if you are traveling within the U.S. that you keep the IPPF referral list with you. If you are in another state and experience a flare you may need to see a doctor that knows how to treat pemphigus & pemphigoid. By having the list with you, you can find a potential doctor to help treat you.

Remember, if you have questions to “Ask a Coach” because when you need us we are in your corner!

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