Thank you for this helpful list of questions to ask at a doctor's appointment. Taking notes can help in case you have questions later on too. It is also helpful to make sure our loved ones are seeing physicians who understand their unique needs.

All good advice.

Next, you need to take care of the paperwork before other crises arrive. Does she have a Drable Power of Attorney to allow you to take care of the money? Does she have a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (it's different) to allow you to make medical decisions after she can no longer do this? Does she have a Preferred Intentisity of Treatment Form to protect her from being "kept alive" after the body gives up?

Keeping a notebook is excellent. It means you can quote one doctor to another. It also means you have a record of what was prescribed when. It will halp you navigate the maze as it becomes more complicated.

Good luck and blessings rest upon you.

Excellent questions. In addition to taking a note pad, you might seek permission to bring a portable tape recorder; so much is missed in the "hearing," even when we are focused, and new questions might be prompted in reviewing the recording. Moreover, as important as are diagnostic and prognostic questions, is determining which medical team member or manager will be your "quarterback." Otherwise, you may wind up asking the same questions to different practitioners without getting a comprehensive view of the situation.

I agree with the advice Ms. Samaha gave. In addition, I would ask for any new diagnoses that have been given and what the course/prognosis of the "disease or diagnosis" is, as well as any risk factors or complications (medication interactions, side effects, etc) that could be expected. Assess if there are some additional tests/treatments that can be ordered and should your parent visit a specialist. It is also important to establish the emergency/after hours procedures for this physician in case you have any concerns or questions after you leave.