Preparing for Your Pain Management Appointment

A little preparation can help you get the most from your pain management visit. Use this checklist to gather important information and plan questions to discuss with your care team.

What to Bring

☐ List of all medications you currently take (prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements).

☐ Your pain diary or symptom log (dates, times, pain levels, what helped or made pain worse).

☐ Copies of recent imaging or test results (X-rays, MRIs, blood work).

☐ Insurance card and photo ID.

☐ Contact information for other healthcare providers (primary care doctor, specialists).

☐ A list of allergies or medication reactions.

☐ A trusted friend or family member (if you’d like support or need help remembering instructions).

Questions to Ask During Your Visit

☐ What is the likely cause of my pain?

☐ What treatment options are available (medications, therapies, procedures)?

☐ What are the benefits and possible side effects of these treatments?

☐ How will we know if the treatment is working?

☐ Are there lifestyle changes, exercises, or self-care steps I can take to reduce pain?

☐ What should I do if my pain suddenly gets worse?

☐ How often should I schedule follow-up visits?

☐ Who should I contact if I have concerns between appointments?

Tips for a Successful Appointment

☐ Arrive 15 minutes early to complete any paperwork.

☐ Be honest and specific about your pain, even if it feels repetitive.

☐ Take notes or ask your support person to write down key instructions.

☐ Review next steps before leaving (medications, tests, referrals, follow-ups).

Bring this checklist to every visit. Being well prepared helps you and your care team create the safest and most effective pain management plan.

Medical Disclaimer

This resource is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information presented is general in nature and may not apply to every individual or health situation.

Individuals should consult their physician or another qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations related to their specific health conditions.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional medical advice because of information contained in this resource.

Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.