How to Remember Important Medical Information

It can be difficult to remember everything your doctor said at your appointment.

Two Keck Medicine providers share their advice.   

Nancy Moore, DO, primary care physician, Internal Medicine

As a primary care physician, I encourage all my patients to keep a notebook, binder or journal for their visits. In this log you can keep your own notes to track your symptoms and record how well various treatments are working for you. If you are tech-savvy, you can also use a cellphone or a tablet to keep notes.

Bringing these logs/journals to each visit helps to keep your visit focused so that you can use your face-to-face time with your doctor efficiently.

Even patients who see multiple specialists for several complicated conditions can benefit from semiannual care-planning visits with a primary care provider.

Nancy Moore, DO

Even patients who see multiple specialists for several complicated conditions can benefit from semiannual care-planning visits with a primary care provider. We serve as central providers who can review information from all your specialists and make sure each issue is being correctly monitored and that your medications are refilled.

Hearing and vision impairment also play a significant factor in remembering information. Hearing and vision loss happen so gradually that people often do not notice until family members bring it to their attention.

Having these properly assessed and taken care of will improve daily function and communication, especially when it pertains to important medical information.

Kian Asanad, MD, urologist and director, USC Fertility & Men’s Sexual Health Center, USC Urology

Many times, hearing a new diagnosis for the first time can be overwhelming. When emotions are high, it’s completely normal to miss details or have trouble remembering everything discussed during your appointment.

One of the best things you can do is bring someone you trust with you. In my practice, which focuses on men’s sexual medicine and fertility, many patients bring their partners. These conditions often affect both members of a couple, and having everyone involved in the conversation helps ensure we develop a treatment plan that aligns with each person’s goals.

One of the best things you can do is bring someone you trust with you.

Kian Asanad, MD

As physicians, we also have a responsibility to make complex medical information easier to understand. Before each visit ends, I review the diagnosis, summarize the key takeaways and provide patients with a simple checklist of next steps, so they remember exactly what to do once they get home.

And remember, your appointment doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation.

If questions come up later, don’t hesitate to reach out to your care team through myUSCchart or by calling the office.

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Mollie Barnes

Mollie Barnes is a senior writer for Keck Medicine of USC.

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