List Your Healthcare Providers
- Prepare a list of your current and past healthcare providers and your current and past medical conditions, especially if you are seeing a new healthcare provider.
Write Down Your History
- Prepare a brief history that summarizes your experience with COVID-19 and post-COVID conditions. For example, write down a list of the symptoms you think started after your COVID-19 infection:
- the date of onset of original COVID-19 illness and/or positive COVID-19 test, if known
- when your post-COVID condition symptoms started
- a list of prior treatments and diagnostic tests related to your post-COVID symptoms (blood work, x-rays, etc.)
- what makes your symptoms worse
- how the symptoms affect your activities, including challenges that effect daily living, working, attending school, etc.
- how often symptoms occur
- how you have been feeling
- try to describe examples of your best and worst days. Select your most important issues (sometimes referred to as “chief complaints”) and write them down
List Your Medications
- Prepare a list of medications and supplements you are taking. Most healthcare providers will ask you to provide this information at each appointment. Bringing your list with you will help keep track.
Talk with a Family Member or Friend
- Consider discussing your appointment with a trusted family member or friend immediately before and after you see your healthcare provider. This person can help you take notes and remember what was discussed at the appointment while it’s still fresh in your mind. If your healthcare provider’s office policy allows it, consider bringing them to your appointment with you.
What to Expect
The provider you meet with could be a doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or other type of healthcare professional. It may take more than one appointment to evaluate potential post-COVID symptoms and determine an accurate diagnosis to better manage and treat your symptoms. Your provider may ask questions about your medical history, current symptoms, and quality of life. Depending on your symptoms, they may run tests to determine a diagnosis and plan for treatment.
