Appointment Empowerment Toolkit

July 27, 2025 6 min read

For Taking Charge of Your Health — One Visit at a Time

Because informed questions, written goals, and self-trust can transform a 15-minute appointment into a life-changing moment.

Before Your Appointment: Get Clear, Get Confident

1. Know What You Want From This Visit
Ask yourself:

What’s bothering me most right now?
What questions do I want answered?
What decisions (if any) do I need to make with my provider?

Use this space to write your top 1–3 goals:

• ________________________________________________________

2. Bring the Right Tools

A list of all your medications (prescribed, over-the-counter, supplements)
Your recent test results or readings (BP, blood sugar, weight, etc.)
A notebook or phone notes app to take notes
A trusted support person, if helpful

The 5 Questions Every Patient Deserves to Ask

Use these during the appointment to get the clarity and confidence you need:

1. What are my options? (Not just “What should I do?”)

2. What happens if I wait or do nothing? (Understanding urgency matters.)

3. How will we know if it’s working? (What outcomes or labs should improve?)

4. What are the risks and side effects? (Including cost, energy, impact on daily life.)

5. Can you explain that again in simpler terms? (It’s your right — not a favor.)

Pro Tip: Write down answers or ask the doctor if you can record short audio notes on your phone (always ask permission first).

After the Appointment: Take It With You

1. Make a Quick Summary (in your own words):

What was diagnosed or discussed?
What was prescribed or recommended?
What’s the next step?

Example: “Doc said my blood pressure is high (142/90). Wants me to check at home, start low-salt diet, and maybe meds next time. Will recheck in 1 month.”

2. Don’t Let Questions Linger
Still confused or unsure? That’s normal — not a failure.

Call or message the clinic for clarification.
Ask a pharmacist to explain meds.
Bring your notes to a trusted health advocate, community health worker, or another provider for support.

Community Empowerment Notes

You have the right to:

Understand everything being done to your body.
Say no or not yet to a treatment.
Seek second opinions — especially if something doesn’t sit right.
Be respected — even if you ask a lot of questions.

Cultural Reality Check:
We know that in many Black and underserved communities, trust in healthcare has been broken. That’s real. But your health journey still deserves full dignity and information.

Bonus Tools You Can Print or Screenshot

“What I Want to Ask My Doctor”

• What’s my blood pressure today? ________________

• What’s my latest A1C / blood sugar level? _________

• What should my target be for __________?

• What do you recommend I focus on first?

• What will success look like 30 days from now?

• Can I speak to a health coach, dietitian, or support group?

“Know Your Numbers” Tracker (home version):

Metric	Today’s Value	My Target	Next Check-In
Blood Pressure		<130/80
A1C (Blood Sugar)		<5.7%
LDL Cholesterol		<100
Weight or Waist		Personal

Want to Take It Further?

Check out our full CKM Health Guide:
5 Essential Conversations for CKM Health [insert hyperlink here]

Or visit our [Resource Center] for [insert hyperlinks]:

Downloadable PDFs
Videos and explainer posts
Provider conversation cards
Community support options

Appointment Empowerment Kit for Parents & Caregivers

Because advocating for someone you love is powerful — and you deserve support, too.

Before the Appointment: Prepare Like a Partner in Care

1. Know the Main Goals
Ask yourself:

What’s the biggest concern I’ve noticed?
What are we hoping to learn, decide, or change?
What has improved or worsened since the last visit?

Write down the top 2–3 things to discuss:

• ________________________________________________________

2. Bring the Essentials

A medication list (include supplements & vitamins)
Any home readings (blood pressure, glucose, etc.)
Notes from school, therapists, or other providers
A record of mood, behavior, symptoms, or milestones

If the person you're caring for is present:
Ask them privately: “Is there anything YOU want me to ask or share with the doctor?”

During the Appointment: Be Clear, Kind, and Curious

Use these caregiver-focused questions:

1. What are our options — and how do they compare?

2. What should we watch for at home?

3. How will we track progress or side effects?

4. How can I support their health between visits?

5. Can you explain it in a way they (or I) can understand clearly?

Sample advocacy moment:
“We’re trying our best, but it’s hard to manage [X]. Are there any resources or support groups that could help?”

After the Appointment: Capture the Key Points

1. Reflect and Record

What did the doctor say is happening?
What’s the treatment or plan?
When is the next check-in or referral?

Write a summary in your own words:

Example: “They’re adjusting the meds for Mom’s kidneys. We’ll test again in 6 weeks. Need to limit salt and monitor swelling.”

2. Clarify Any Confusion

Call the office or message the care team
Speak to a pharmacist
Connect with a community health worker or trusted peer

Caregiver Rights & Real Talk

You deserve to:

Be listened to and respected
Receive plain-language explanations
Get support, even if you’re overwhelmed
Take breaks — caregiver burnout is real

Reminder for Black caregivers:
“Your advocacy matters. You’re not ‘difficult’ for asking for better care — you’re protecting someone’s future.”

Empowerment Tool: Use our Caregiver Question Card to stay focused during visits.
Ask for written instructions you can take home.

Appointment Empowerment Kit for Teens & Young Adults

Because your health is yours — and it’s time you had the tools to own it.

Before the Appointment: You Deserve a Say

1. Think About What You Want Help With

What’s bugging you (physically or mentally)?
What are you nervous or curious about?
Are there habits you want to change?

Write your top 1–2 goals in your own words:

• I want to understand why I’m always tired.

• I need help managing stress and sleep.

2. Decide Who Goes With You

You can go alone or bring a trusted adult
It’s okay to ask for private time with the doctor
You can always say, “That’s personal, and I’m not ready to talk about it yet.”

What to Ask at the Appointment

You don’t have to sound “smart.” Just be real.

Try these:

1. What does this mean for me now — and later?

2. What are my options besides meds?

3. How can I tell if it’s working or not?

4. What can I change in my habits that’ll actually help?

5. Where can I learn more without freaking myself out online?

Say This:
“I don’t get that — can you explain it in regular words?”
or
“I’m nervous about side effects. Can we talk about that?”

After the Appointment: Keep It Simple

1. Make Your Own Notes
What do you want to remember?
What was helpful? What didn’t land?

Example:

“They said my blood sugar is almost prediabetes — but I can change that by eating less fast food and drinking more water. I’m gonna try walking after dinner.”

2. Don’t Stress If You Forgot Something

Message the clinic or ask a follow-up
Talk to someone you trust
Look for content that makes sense (TikTok is fine — just check the source!)

Real Talk: You’re Allowed to Own This

You have the right to:

Ask anything
Say no
Say “I don’t know”
Get clear answers without being rushed
Get care that respects who you are — your identity, culture, mental health, and goals

“You’re not too young to care about your health. And you’re definitely not alone in figuring it out.”

Empowerment Tool: Use our Teen Health Checklist for what to ask, what to track, and how to speak up.

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