The few minutes you have with your doctor can quickly tick by if you are not prepared. Learn how to make the most of your time with the doctor so you can get the knowledge, care, and plan you need for your kidney disease.  

Quick guide:  

At your doctor’s visit, you will get a lot of new information and may feel unsure about next steps. Spending some time before your visit to prepare can help you to get more out of your time with your doctor.  

What you need to know: 

Whether you are newly diagnosed with kidney disease or heading back for your regular check-up, follow these 5 tips for a smooth visit: 

1. Be prepared – Bring any recent test results, doctors notes, and health history.  
2. Write down your questions – Before your visit, jot down the questions that you have for the doctor or things you want to talk about.  
3. Start with your most important concern – During the visit, tell the doctor your main worry or the problem that matters the most to you.  
4. Take notes – Write down what the doctor says including instructions, tests, and next steps, or you could ask them to write down some notes for you.  
5. Say what you learned – Before you leave the visit, repeat what you learned and what your next steps are. This helps make sure you and your doctor are on the same page. 

Support: 

• Need more help? Ask a friend or family member to come with you to your visit. 
• Still have questions? Call the Kidney Health 4 Life team: 1800 454 363 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm AEST). 

Key takeaways:  

• With a little preparation, you can feel more confident you’ll get the most out of your visit to the doctor. 
• If you need help, reach out to the KHA helpline by phone (1800 454 363) weekday 9am to 5pm (AEST). 

What’s next:

• Find out who is on your health care team 
• Learn more: Talking with your GP 
• Understanding Kidney Disease (short course) 
• Download our Factsheet “Making the most of your doctor’s visit”