Care team & navigation
Preparing for Appointments
Last Updated Nov 11, 2025
Preparing before a clinic or telehealth visit can save time, lower stress, and lead to better decisions. A simple plan helps the care team understand symptoms, medications, and goals. This article explains what to track, what to bring, and how to make the most of limited minutes with a clinician. It also includes a one-page template and a quick symptom tracker.
Key takeaways
Track symptoms and objective data in the same place, update it weekly.
Bring a one-page summary with current medications, doses, allergies, and recent tests.
Arrive with three priority questions, leave with a written plan and next steps.
Share numbers and dates, not just “better” or “worse.”
Use the patient portal to send updates, refill requests, and new test results.
Why preparation matters
IBD care works best when symptoms, tests, and goals are clear. A short, organized summary prevents missed details and repeated questions. It also helps the team adjust treatment sooner, which can prevent flares and emergency visits. Preparation supports the treat to target approach, where the plan aims for symptom control and healing.
What to track between visits
Record details at least once a week. Daily notes are helpful during flares.
Bowel movements per day, urgency, blood, night trips.
Abdominal pain score from 0 to 10, location, and triggers.
Weight changes and fevers.
Fatigue, sleep quality, and stress level.
Medication use, missed doses, and any side effects.
Diet notes, hydration, and alcohol or nicotine exposure.
Test results and dates, for example stool tests or blood work.
Fecal calprotectin: a stool protein that reflects gut inflammation.
C-reactive protein (CRP): a blood marker of inflammation.
Care events, for example ER visits, antibiotics, or new vaccines.
Simple weekly symptom tracker
Item | What to record | Example |
|---|---|---|
Stools per day | Number, urgency, blood | 6 per day, urgent, blood 3 times this week |
Pain | 0 to 10, location | 6 of 10, lower right |
Night symptoms | Trips from sleep | 2 nights, 1 to 2 trips |
Weight and fever | Pounds, max temp | 142 lb, max 100.4°F |
Medicines | Doses taken or missed | Missed adalimumab on 10/15 |
Notes | Triggers or changes | Worse after popcorn, improved after hydration |
Build a one page visit summary
Keep it to a single sheet or one screen. Update it before each visit.
Section | What to include |
|---|---|
Current diagnoses | Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, year diagnosed, surgeries |
Medicines | Names, doses, times, route, start dates, last dose |
Allergies and reactions | Drug name, reaction type and date |
Recent tests | Calprotectin, CRP, hemoglobin, imaging, colonoscopy with dates |
Vaccinations | Flu, COVID, pneumonia, hepatitis B, shingles when relevant |
Other conditions | Anemia, bone health, joint pain, skin or eye issues |
Care team | Gastroenterologist, primary care, surgeon, pharmacy, infusion center |
Top 3 goals | For example reduce urgency, return to school, plan pregnancy |
Store the file on a phone and bring a printed copy. Share it through the patient portal before the visit if possible.
Set the agenda
Time is limited, so focus on three items.
List three questions. Put the most important first.
Examples:
Are my symptoms and labs on track, or do we need a change?
What is the target for calprotectin or CRP, and when do we recheck?
What side effects should lead me to call the clinic?
How will this medicine affect work, school, or pregnancy plans?
What to bring
Photo ID, insurance card, preferred pharmacy.
Medication list and the one page summary.
Recent lab or imaging reports, or the portal access to view them.
Infusion schedule or biologic injection dates.
Symptom tracker, including pain and stool details.
Snacks, water, and any ostomy or continence supplies for longer visits.
During the visit
Be specific. Use numbers and dates. For example, 8 stools per day, blood on 4 days this week, pain 7 of 10 after meals.
Share recent test results and any missed doses.
State personal goals, such as travel plans, sports, or pregnancy timing.
Confirm the plan:
Medicine changes, dose, start date, and what success looks like.
Monitoring schedule, for example labs in 2 weeks, stool test in 6 weeks.
Safety steps, such as vaccines or infection precautions.
Ask for written instructions. Use teach back. Repeat the plan to be sure it is correct.
After the visit
Enter the plan into the tracker and calendar. Set reminders for labs, stool kits, refills, and injections.
Send a portal message if questions arise after reading the visit note.
Call sooner if symptoms worsen, do not wait for the next scheduled visit.
Schedule the next appointment and any scopes or imaging before leaving.
Telehealth tips
Test the video link and microphone the day before.
Weigh at home, take a temperature, and have recent blood pressure if available.
Place the symptom tracker and medicines within reach to review on camera.
Keep a quiet, well lit space and a phone backup in case of connection issues.
When to call urgently
Contact the care team or seek urgent care for any of the following:
Fever above 101°F with chills.
Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or a swollen, tender belly.
Heavy or ongoing rectal bleeding, dizziness, or fainting.
Signs of dehydration, such as very dark urine or confusion.
Inability to keep down medicines or fluids.
FAQs
How can a caregiver help during visits?
A caregiver can keep the symptom tracker, prompt key questions, and take notes. With permission, they can also use the portal to upload updates and watch for test results.
What if there is not enough time to cover everything?
Start with the top three priorities. Ask for a follow up message or a short nurse visit to address remaining items. Request education resources, for example injection training or diet guidance, if needed.