

UNICARE HEALTH PLAN OF WEST VIRGINIA INC
PO BOX 91
CHARLESTON WV 25321-0091
Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Platteville,
WI
Permit No. 7
WV
MyHealth
UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia, Inc.
●
2014
Rx: what to do
before you leave
the doctor’s office
When your doctor prescribes a medicine
(drug), find out what you need to know
while you are still talking to the doctor.
1.
Ask what side effects there are with
the drug.
2.
Repeat back to the doctor what you are
told about:
•
What the drug is for.
•
When and how to take it.
3.
When you see the doctor, bring along
a list of medicines you take. Or better yet,
bring the bottles. Include any you buy over
the counter (even vitamins). Also, bring
anything you take for weight loss, cold,
cough or allergy.
4.
If you are afraid of becoming addicted
to a drug, talk with your doctor.
5.
Call your doctor if you are having
side effects or want to stop taking a
prescribed medicine.
To make the most of the time you spend in your
doctor’s office, try these:
DO explain your symptoms in detail. Tell your doctor:
•
Where you hurt.
•
When and how long you hurt.
•
What it feels like – what type of pain it is.
•
What makes it better or worse.
DON’T assume the doctor knows best. If he or she
wants you to get a treatment that you don’t agree
with, tell your doctor your concerns.
Doctor do’s and don’ts
DO take a friend or family member with you. Ask
your friend to take notes. It’s always easier to visit
your doctor when you bring support. And if you
don’t recall what your doctor tells you, your friend
probably will.
DON’T be afraid to tell your doctor if you don’t
understand. Ask him or her to explain it again.
It’s key to know what you will need to do to
get better.