Your First Consultation: What to Bring and How to Prepare
A well-prepared first consultation helps your surgeon give you the most accurate advice in the time available. Here is a simple checklist of what to bring and how to prepare.
What to bring
The more complete a picture your surgeon has, the better the advice. Bring along:
- Previous prescriptions and a list of your current medicines and doses
- All blood test results, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans (films and reports)
- Endoscopy or colonoscopy reports, if any
- Your insurance details
- A note of your main symptoms and how long you have had them
Questions worth asking
It helps to write your questions down beforehand. You might ask: what is the diagnosis, what are my options (including non-surgical ones), what does the recommended treatment involve, what is the expected recovery, and what are the risks and benefits in my case?
Making the most of the visit
Bring someone with you if it helps you remember the discussion. Be open about your symptoms and concerns — the fuller the picture, the better the advice. And remember that the goal of the consultation is to help you understand your options and decide with confidence.
Learn more about GI Surgery with Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma, or book a consultation.
This article is for general education and does not replace personal medical advice. Please consult Dr Verma for guidance specific to your condition.