You and Your Primary Care Provider

Mayo Clinic Health System Health Note:

Why is it important to have an ongoing relationship with your doctor? You and your healthcare provider should work together to not only treat illnesses when they occur, but to keep you well in the first place. Here are 9 tips for establishing an ongoing relationship with your primary care provider:

1. Consult your provider promptly when problems arise and continue follow-up until problems are resolved.
2. Give your complete health history. Be honest and specific about your symptoms.
3. Give your provider a complete list of all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter, supplements and herbal remedies.
4. Take all medications as prescribed, even if you feel better before the medication is gone.
5. Take a written list of questions to your appointment.
6. Ask questions when you don’t understand. Your provider won’t know to clarify information if you don’t ask.
7. Follow your provider’s advice on changes in your daily routine, such as nutrition and exercise.
8. Commit to a regular schedule of check-ups and tests as appropriate for someone your age, sex and medical history (exams, mammograms, cholesterol tests, etc.)
9. Keep your communication open with your healthcare provider. If a medication or treatment isn’t working, share your concerns with your provider. Your provider won’t know your problems unless you stay in contact.

Amy Every
Senior Communication Consultant, Marketing Communications
Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare
700 West Avenue South
La Crosse, WI 54601
mayoclinichealthsystem.org