8 Essential Items to Bring to Ensure a Smooth Physical Exam

A physical exam is your chance to check in on your health and talk through any concerns you might have. To make the most of it, it helps to come prepared. Packing a few key items ahead of time means a calmer appointment and more time focused on you. Here are eight essentials to bring to your next appointment.

1. Photo ID, Insurance Card, and a Way to Pay

Start with these basics since you'll need them to check in.

• A driver's license or other photo ID
• Your insurance or Medicare card
• A way to cover any copay, like a credit card or cash

Also be sure to complete any pre-visit forms sent by your doctor's office in advance.

2. A List of Your Medications

Your doctor needs a list of your medications to fully evaluate your health and ensure your current and future medications don't cause harmful interactions.

• List the name, dose, and how often you take each one.
• Include over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
• If you can, bring the actual bottles, even if they're empty or expired.
• Be forthcoming about everything you take, as well as any concerns or side effects you have.

3. Your Medical Records and Recent Test Results

Although many healthcare systems have electronic medical records that allow different hospitals to retrieve your records electronically, data sharing between different systems remains incomplete, especially for new patients or transferring imaging files like mammograms and CT scans. To be safe, bring printouts of any relevant imaging you might have so your doctor has your full history. When in doubt, bring everything you have and let them decide what's relevant. Helpful records include:

• Recent blood tests or lab work
• Mammograms, colonoscopies, or other screenings
• Vaccination records

If you'll be getting bloodwork done during your visit, make sure to follow any fasting instructions.

4. Your Personal and Family Health History

Your personal health history as well as your family's health history informs your care and which screenings you may need.

• Note any allergies to food, medicine, or the environment
• List past surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing conditions
• Record health conditions that run in your family, like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. Ask your relatives ahead of time if you're unsure.

5. A List of Your Other Doctors

If you see specialists or have had other providers, note their names and contact information. This helps your doctors work together. It's also helpful to include an emergency contact if you have one.

6. Notes on Your Symptoms and Questions

If something has been bothering you physically or mentally, a few notes might help you remember and explain it clearly. Try to describe:

• When it started and what you were doing
• What makes it better or worse
• What it feels like (sharp, dull, achy)
• Where it is, and whether it spreads
• How bad it is, on a scale of 1 to 10
• Whether it's improving or getting worse

It also helps to write down any questions you want to ask so you don't forget them in the moment.

7. Health Trackers or Journals

If you track your health at home, bring your log or journal with you. These give your doctor a real look at your daily habits. Examples include:

• A fitness watch or step counter
• Blood pressure or blood sugar logs
• A food, sleep, or symptom journal

8. A Notebook or Notetaking Device

Appointments can go by fast, and medical details are easy to forget. Bring a notepad or use the notes app on your phone to take notes. A book or magazine is also nice to have in case there's a wait.