Preparing for First Appointment with Dr. Mayo

Going to see a surgeon can sometimes be an overwhelming experience, especially if it’s a first appointment or for an ongoing health concern. Preparing in advance can help make your visit more productive and less stressful. Below, we’ve provided a guide on how to prepare for your first appointment with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Mayo.

What to Bring

• Identification and Insurance Information: This includes your driver’s license or other forms of identification, and your health insurance card. If your insurance requires a referral from your primary care physician, make sure you’ve arranged for that before your visit.
• List of Current Medications: Include any over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and prescriptions you are currently taking. Make sure to note the dosage and how often you take each one.
• Medical Records: Bring any relevant medical records, especially if you’ve been treated by a different doctor for the same or a related issue. This might include clinic notes, laboratory results, and summaries of previous hospital stays or surgeries.
• Operative Reports and Intraoperative Photos: If you’ve had surgery elsewhere related to your current issue, bring the operative reports and any intraoperative photos, if available. These give Dr. Mayo insight into what procedures you’ve had and the techniques your previous surgeon used.
• Imaging Reports and Images: Bring along any imaging reports and the actual images (X-ray, MRI, CT scan) if you have them. Many facilities provide these on a CD, but ask if there’s a digital option you can access as well. Dr. Mayo will want to review both the report and the images.

Before Your Appointment

Navigating the journey to recovery from pain and discomfort begins with a clear understanding of your symptoms. For the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan, it’s crucial that you reflect on your experience before your first visit. Think about your symptoms, their triggers, and their progression. Understanding the ‘when’ and ‘how’ of your pain or discomfort, the activities that exacerbate or alleviate your symptoms, and any notable patterns can provide invaluable insight to Dr. Mayo. This practice will not only contribute to a more accurate and swift diagnosis, but it will also help tailor a treatment plan best suited to your unique needs, fast-tracking your path to recovery. So, let’s delve into some of the factors you should consider and take note of before your consultation.

• Prepare a List of Questions: Think about what you want to get out of the appointment and write down your questions ahead of time. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask during the actual appointment.
• Symptom History: Make a detailed note of the issue that you’re experiencing. Include when it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily activities. If it’s pain, rate it on a scale of 1 to 10.
• Medical History: Be prepared to discuss your personal and family medical history.
• Research: It can be helpful to do some basic research on your condition or symptoms. This can help you understand medical terminology and make it easier to follow along with Dr. Mayo during your discussion.

During Your Appointment

• Arrive Early: Arriving early allows time for any additional paperwork and ensures you have the full time for your appointment.
• Be Open and Honest: Speak openly about your symptoms, how they’re impacting your life, and any fears or concerns you might have. The more accurate information Dr. Mayo has, the better he can help you.
• Take Notes: It can be a lot to remember, especially when discussing a new diagnosis or treatment plan. Taking notes helps you remember the details when you get home.

Remember, the main goal of this appointment is to determine the best course of action for your health. The more prepared you are for your first visit, the more productive the appointment will be. Don’t hesitate to ask questions – as an orthopedic sports surgeon, Dr. Mayo and his team are here to help you understand and navigate your journey to better health.