Referral visits work best when you can summarize the reason for referral and bring the right documents to avoid delays.
Quick checklist (2 minutes)
- Write your top 1–3 priorities in order
- Summarize symptoms and timeline (only what you know)
- Bring a medication/supplement list and allergies
- Bring relevant documents (referrals, summaries, test names/dates)
Know the referral goal
- What problem the referral is meant to address
- What questions you want the specialist to answer
- Any constraints or preferences
Bring the essentials
- Referral letter
- Prior test names/dates
- Medication list
Ask about next steps
- What happens after today?
- Who coordinates follow-up?
- When should I check back?
Printable notes section
Use these prompts to take quick notes during the appointment:
- Main takeaways: ________________________________
- Next steps: ________________________________________
- Follow-up timing: ___________________________________
- Questions I still have: _____________________________
Want this customized to you?
MyDoctorVisit.com can turn your answers (and optional documents) into a clean visit agenda, smart questions, and a printable packet. Create your packet here.
If you want a plain-English explanation of what a medical document says (informational only), visit ExplainMyDoctor.com.