Whenever I see a new health practitioner, I ask that the medical intake form be emailed to me so that I can print it off and complete it at home.

I do this for three reasons:

1. I have a fairly detailed medical history and it's easier to refer to my notes at home.
2. Dependent on the length of time it takes to complete the form, ulnar deviation makes it difficult to write for any length of time.
3. I do my utmost to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for my appointments. However, sometimes traffic, or some other unforeseen event, intervenes. If I'm running late (*quelle horreur!), I'll at least have completed the intake form so that I'm ready to be whisked into the appointment. Yes, it's wishful thinking that all appointments start at the designated time!

People who have a chronic illness such as RA, tend to have a very extensive health history. As a matter of course, the patient should be given the option of completing the form prior to the appointment. We have the technology, so let's make use of it.

Related posts:

• Emotional Management in the Waiting Room
• A-Mazed
• When Your Doctor Tells You There's No More Time