Recommended Tools for Doctor Visits

The Medical Appointment Prep System asks you to bring home readings, one true medication list and your own notes. These are the tools that make that easy, with the specification that matters for each.

For home readings

Bring averages to the visit, not every number.

• Upper-arm blood pressure monitor

  An automatic upper-arm cuff, validated for accuracy (look it up at validatebp.org), with a cuff sized to your arm. Wrist monitors are less reliable.

  See options on Amazon
• Digital thermometer

  An oral digital thermometer that reads in about 10 seconds; note the time with each reading for the timeline.

  See options on Amazon
• Pulse oximeter

  A fingertip oximeter for oxygen level and pulse; readings can be less accurate on darker skin and cold fingers, so note how you feel too.

  See options on Amazon
• Bathroom scale

  A digital scale on a hard floor, used at the same time of day, for the weight line on the agenda.

  See options on Amazon

For the paperwork

One place for the agenda, the timeline and the medication sheet.

• Accordion document folder

  A zippered folder with labeled pockets for agendas, results, letters and insurance cards; it goes in the bag for every visit.

  See options on Amazon
• Clipboard with storage

  A clipboard with a compartment, for filling in forms in the waiting room and writing during the visit.

  See options on Amazon
• Small notebook and pen

  For the teach-back points and anything you want to write exactly as said: drug names, doses and dates.

  See options on Amazon
• Weekly pill organizer

  Makes the adherence audit easy: what was missed shows at a glance. AM and PM rows for twice-daily medicines.

  See options on Amazon
• Medical ID bracelet or wallet card

  For anyone on blood thinners, insulin or long-term steroids, or with a serious allergy: the information emergency staff need first.

  See options on Amazon

Prices and availability change on Amazon. This page is educational and is not medical advice; talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement.