At Your Appointment

Lupus Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • In the past four weeks, how often have you woken up feeling worn out, experienced body aches or pains, or been unable to perform normal activities due to fatigue? Most of the time, some of the time, or none of the time?
  • In the past four weeks, how often have you felt anxious, depressed, or had difficulty concentrating? Most of the time, some of the time or none of the time?
  • Has your lupus limited your ability to fulfill family responsibilities, or interfered with your ability to plan and schedule events?
  • Do you notice anything that triggers your symptoms and makes them worse?
  • Are you taking your lupus medications as directed? Are your lupus medications causing any bothersome side effects?
  • Do you have any family history of lupus or other auto-immune diseases?
  • In the past four weeks, how often have you woken up feeling worn out, experienced body aches or pains, or been unable to perform normal activities due to fatigue? Most of the time, some of the time, or none of the time?
  • In the past four weeks, how often have you felt anxious, depressed, or had difficulty concentrating? Most of the time, some of the time or none of the time?
  • Has your physical health limited your ability to fulfill family responsibilities, or interfered with your ability to plan and schedule events?
  • How would you describe your symptoms: mild, moderate or severe?
  • How well is your medication controlling your symptoms? Do you feel it is effective?
  • Do you have a lupus treatment plan? Do you know how to step up treatment if your symptoms are getting worse?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • Do my symptoms mean I have lupus? How do you test and diagnose for lupus?
  • Could my symptoms be caused by another medical condition?
  • What medications are available to improve my symptoms?
  • What should I do if my lupus symptoms get worse?
  • Are there lifestyle changes I can make to improve my symptoms, such as exercise or dietary changes?
  • Are there specific activities you would recommend I avoid?
  • What are the best lupus treatment options for me?
  • What should I do if my lupus symptoms get worse, or if I want to become pregnant?
  • Are there lifestyle changes I can make to improve my symptoms, such as exercise or dietary changes?
  • How will I know if my treatment plan is working well or if it needs to be changed?
  • How well am I doing with managing my lupus?
  • How often do I need to make appointments for follow-up? What are you looking for when I have follow-up appointments?
  • Are there other lupus medications that would do a better job of controlling my symptoms?
  • Are my new or different symptoms an indication that my health is getting worse?
  • What should I expect with my specific set of symptoms or case of lupus? How do you believe my symptoms will progress?
  • How would you categorize my lupus: mild, moderate or severe?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Jul 17
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. The six keys for preparing for your doctor's appointment. Lupus Foundation of America. https://resources.lupus.org/entry/6-keys-prep-for-a-doctors-appointment
  2. Lupus. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790