Preparing for an appointment

This information explains how to prepare for an appointment with a health professional and what questions to ask, at whatever stage of your Parkinson's journey.

When you have an appointment with a health professional, it's important to feel prepared. The following are helpful to think about before an appointment.

Make a list of what you want to cover or what you want to get out of it. You can take any documents, a diary or a notebook with you.
Be as honest as possible. Give as much detail as you can about how you’re feeling and what your symptoms are.
You can take someone with you to an appointment for support, such as a close friend or family member.

Pre-diagnosis: if you think you have Parkinson's

If you’re worried about symptoms you’ve been experiencing, you should visit your GP.

Appointments last around 10 minutes. For some people this is not enough time. When you make your appointment, ask for a longer one if you think you will need more time.

The GP will write down what you talk about in your appointment. This will include your symptoms and any treatment they give you or offer to you. The GP will record this on your medical notes. Your notes will be kept confidential (this means they should not pass them on to anyone else unless you agree or it is necessary to).

The symptoms you're experiencing

During the appointment, your GP will ask you questions about your mental and physical health. Try and be as honest as possible. Give them as much detail as you can about how you’re feeling and what your symptoms are.

Do your symptoms get worse at certain times?
How do they affect your day-to-day life?
Are you taking any medication?

Asking to see a specialist

Your GP should not diagnose you, or start you on any Parkinson's medication. Only a Parkinson's specialist doctor can diagnose Parkinson's. The GP should refer you to a specialist if they think you may have Parkinson's.

The specialist will ask you more detailed questions and do some simple tests to investigate your symptoms.

But a GP can give advice on things like sleep or stress. They can pass your details on to a talking therapy service if you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed.

Find out more about how Parkinson's is diagnosed.

After diagnosis: questions to ask your health professional

After you've been diagnosed, you will likely see some other health professionals. Some more specific questions you may want to ask include:

I’m concerned about a particular symptom. What can help?
What type of side effects might I get from my medication?
I have another medical condition as well as Parkinson’s. What should I do?
Which other health professionals can help me?
I’m feeling stressed and down about my diagnosis. What help can I get?
How often will I see you?
Can I have more time with you?
When will I have my next appointment?
How long is the waiting list for this service, and when can I expect to hear from them? (They may not know the answer, but might be able to provide you with the service contact details to enquire directly with them).

Keeping track of your health professionals

Making a list of health professionals you're in contact with, or things you’d like to ask about at your next appointment, can be helpful.

Doing this and making a note of what they do and how to reach them can help you feel more prepared and organised throughout your Parkinson’s journey.

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