Preparing for your healthcare provider visit Te whakaritea tāu taenga ki te tākuta
When you go to your healthcare provider, it is sometimes hard to know what to say or ask. Planning for your visit and asking questions will help you understand more about your health and wellbeing and any treatment you need.
PLAN for better care
Your healthcare provider will want you to ask questions to help you make decisions together.
There is a way to help you get all the information you need when you have an appointment with a healthcare provider. It is called 'PLAN for better care'.
- P stands for prepare.
- L stands for listen and share.
- A stands for ask questions.
- N stands for note down what you need to do next.
Prepare for your visit
- Write down your main concerns or questions.
- Make a list of your medicines and any supplements you take. Also take along any documents that could be useful, such as your 'yellow card' or hospital discharge letter if you have one.
- If it will help you, take a support person with you and ask for an interpreter. When you make your appointment, say you need an interpreter and allow at least 24 hours.
Ask questions
- What is my health problem?
- What happens next?
- Why is that important?
- Are there any other options?
- What can I do to help with my health and wellbeing?
Note down what you need to do next
Take a pen and paper so you can write down anything you need to remember. You can print this page and take it with you to help you remember what to do and ask.
At the pharmacy
If your healthcare provider has prescribed a medicine or supplement, you might want to ask these questions when you collect it from the pharmacy.
- What is the medicine or supplement for?
- What is its name?
- How and when do I take it?
- How long do I need to take it for?
- What could happen if I stop taking it?
- What are the side effects? What should I do if I get these?