Preparing for your consultation
A little preparation can help you get more from your appointment. Bringing the right information and thinking about the questions that matter to you can make it easier to reach a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
Help make your consultation as useful as possible
- Make a brief note of your symptoms and when they started
- Bring relevant scans, reports and previous clinic letters if available
- Have an up-to-date list of medicines and allergies
- Write down the questions and goals that matter most to you
Why preparation helps
Your consultation is an opportunity to explain what has been happening, understand the likely diagnosis and discuss the options available to you.
Mr Dowen will want to understand your symptoms, how they affect daily life, what treatment you have already tried and what you hope to achieve. Previous medical history, operations, medicines and investigations may also be relevant.
You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis. The purpose of the consultation is to assess the problem properly. It can, however, be helpful to organise the information you already have so that time can be spent on the issues that matter most.
If you are considering surgery or seeking a second opinion, bringing previous imaging and operation information where available can be particularly useful.
A short written list of symptoms, medicines and questions is often enough. You are also welcome to bring a relative or friend if having someone with you would be helpful.
Useful information for your appointment
Do not worry if you cannot obtain every item. Bring what you already have and the team can advise if anything further is needed.
X-rays and scans
Bring relevant X-rays, MRI or CT scans, reports or information about where and when they were performed if you have access to them.
Letters and previous treatment
Clinic letters, physiotherapy information, injection details and previous operation records can help build a clearer picture of what has already been tried.
An up-to-date medication list
Include prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements, together with any known allergies.
A brief symptom history
Think about where the pain is felt, when it began, whether it is changing and what movements or activities make it better or worse.
Your goals
Consider what you most want treatment to help with, such as walking, sleep, work, sport, stairs, travel or everyday independence.
What you want to ask
Write down your most important questions so that concerns about diagnosis, treatment, surgery or recovery are not forgotten during the appointment.
Four useful things to do beforehand
Note how the problem started
Write down roughly when symptoms began, whether there was an injury and how the problem has changed over time.
Think about the impact on daily life
Consider walking distance, stairs, sleep, work, exercise and the activities you have stopped or changed because of the joint problem.
Gather the information you already have
Collect relevant scans, reports, clinic letters and details of previous treatment where these are readily available.
Write down your main questions
NHS guidance suggests identifying your two or three most important questions before an appointment. Start with what matters most to you.
What you can expect to discuss
The exact consultation depends on the problem, but the aim is to combine your symptoms and goals with clinical assessment and relevant imaging.
Your history and examination
You may be asked about where pain is felt, what causes it, previous injuries or surgery, your general health and the effect symptoms are having on everyday life.
- Where and when symptoms occur
- Walking, stairs and mobility
- Sleep and night pain
- Previous physiotherapy, injections or surgery
- General medical history and medicines
- Your treatment priorities
Diagnosis and options
Relevant scans or X-rays can be reviewed alongside the examination. If further investigation is needed, this can be explained before a definitive treatment plan is made.
- What the likely diagnosis is
- Whether more tests are needed
- Non-surgical treatment options
- Whether surgery is appropriate
- Potential benefits, risks and alternatives
- What happens next
Make the decision understandable to you
There is no requirement to ask a particular set of questions. These prompts can help if you are unsure where to start.
What is causing my symptoms?
Ask how confident the diagnosis is, whether the scans fit your symptoms and whether another investigation would change the treatment plan.
What are my choices?
Ask about reasonable non-surgical and surgical options, what each aims to achieve and what may happen if you decide not to have treatment yet.
What are the benefits and risks?
Understanding expected benefit, possible complications, recovery and limitations can help you decide whether a proposed treatment fits your priorities.
Know what the next step is
Before leaving, it can be helpful to make sure you understand the working diagnosis, whether any tests are being arranged and what happens after the results are available.
If treatment has been discussed, you should understand the main options and whether you need more time, information or another appointment before making a decision.
- Check what investigations have been requested
- Ask how and when results will be discussed
- Keep copies of relevant correspondence where possible
- Follow any specific advice given by the clinical team
- Contact the practice if an agreed next step is unclear
Questions about your consultation
Do I need a GP referral before booking?
Self-pay patients may be able to arrange a private consultation directly. If you are using private medical insurance, check with your insurer because some policies require a GP referral or pre-authorisation.
What if I do not have copies of my scans?
Do not delay seeking advice simply because you do not have every record. If you know where and when imaging was performed, provide those details. The practice can advise what may be needed for the consultation.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. Many people find it useful to have a relative, friend or carer present, particularly when discussing surgery or several treatment options.
Will I have an X-ray at the appointment?
This depends on the problem and what imaging is already available. New X-rays or other investigations may be arranged when they are needed to clarify the diagnosis or treatment plan.
Do I have to decide about surgery at the first consultation?
No. Where surgery is an option, the consultation should help you understand why it is being considered, the alternatives, likely benefits and risks. You can ask questions and take time to make an informed decision.
Arrange your hip or knee consultation
A private consultation with Mr Dowen provides time to discuss your symptoms, review appropriate imaging and understand the treatment options that may be suitable for you.