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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're likely to start by going to an emergency room. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to an infectious disease specialist. If plague is suspected or you're experiencing respiratory symptoms, you may be asked to wear a respiratory mask to the doctor's office or emergency room.
It's a good idea to be well prepared for your visit. Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to absorb all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For plague, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my symptoms?
- What are other possible causes for my symptoms?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- What is the best course of action?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
- Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
- Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your visit at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous, or occasional?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
- Have you been exposed to rodents or fleas?
- Do you live in or have you traveled to any areas known to have plague?
What you can do in the meantime
If you have any concerns about plague or have been in close contact with rats, prairie dogs and other rodents in areas known to have plague, tell the doctor's office or emergency room before you arrive. You may be asked to wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms.
