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After your visit to the doctor, make sure you learn what comes next.

Sometimes the doctor may tell you a lot of info.

You may need to use a way to help remember.

  • Write it down.
  • Ask a friend to help.
  • Record it on your phone.

Do you know the answer to these questions:

  • What do I do now?
  • When will I get better?
  • What if I don't get better by then?
  • Do I need any medicine?
  • Do I need any tests?
  • Do I need to see another doctor?
  • When do I need to come back?
  • Can you write it down for me?
  • Who should I call if I think of a question later?

Some patients like to bring this form to fill in the info about the visit.

Follow up Form

After Visit Worksheet

This handout can help you learn answers to:

  • How to get a referral or
  • How to order a test or
  • How to take a new medicine.
Get the Worksheet

Video Supports

Below you'll find some videos and social stories to help you know what to expect when your doctor asks you to get tests, exams or if you have to have surgery.

female dentist examining a female patient's mouth

Dental Exam

Learn about how to prepare for what to expect at a dental visit.

  • Watch the video on what to expect.
  • Print off the social story so you remember all of the steps.
  • Dentists can check out the video below for tips on an accommodative approach to performing a dental exam for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Preparing adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities what to expect at a dental visit. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPtjCoPHUzg&list=PLN0ek8tspo7gf9r43Z_Ca7r6kEJNtuwc0&index=4

Print out this social story for dental exams so you can remember the steps. Dental Exam Social Story

Tips for dentists in accommodating a dental exam for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p1RlQgKeP0&list=PLN0ek8tspo7hTMCSl2q0llA3Q7bsakRei&index=3

man with intellectual disability works with female nurse on getting a needle stick

Needle Stick

Learn about how to prepare for what to expect at when you have to get a needle stick.

  • Watch the video on what to expect.
  • Print off the social story so you remember all of the steps.
  • Office staff can check out the video below for tips on an accommodative approach to doing a needle stick for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Preparing adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities what to expect when they get a needle stick at a doctor's office. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eTfcPBhkqk

Print out this social story on needle sticks so you can remember the steps. Needle Stick Social Story

Tips for office staff in accommodating needle sticks for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlFLEZxLEng

Woman patient getting ready for a mammogram exam with a female  clinician

Mammograms

Learn about how to prepare for what to expect when you need to have a mammogram.

  • Watch the video on what to expect.
  • Print off the social story so you remember all of the steps.
  • The radiology team can check out the video below for tips on an accommodative approach to doing a mammogram for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Preparing adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities what to expect at a mammogram. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJN6WLjeWBc

Print out this social story on mammograms so you can remember the steps. Mammogram Social Story

Tips for radiology team in accommodating a mammogram for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1AHDWpwODw

Video

Talking About a Surgery

Getting more info about your health...

Ask your doctor if there are other ways to get more good info about your health.

Ask about good websites, videos, handouts.

Remember that the internet can have some info that is not right for you. Ask for help figuring out which sites are good for your needs. If you want to find sites yourself:

  • Sites that are .gov and .edu at the end of the website address can be more reliable.
  • Hospital systems can have good websites.
  • National foundations usually have good info on a specific illness.
  • Be more careful with .com sites. Sometimes they say things just to sell you something.