At Your Appointment

Psoriatic Arthritis 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.
  • Describe what you consider is a flare of your psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
  • How many psoriatic arthritis flares have you had in the past year?
  • Which of your joints are most affected by your psoriatic arthritis, such as your back, fingers, feet, toes, or other areas?
  • How would you categorize your pain and symptoms: mild, moderate or severe?
  • How do you usually manage flare episodes?
  • Are you taking your psoriatic arthritis medications as directed?
  • For how long have you had psoriasis?
  • For how long have you been having unexplained joint pain and joint symptoms?
  • How often do you have joint pain or swollen joints? Frequently, occasionally, or rarely?
  • Do you notice anything that triggers your joint symptoms and makes them worse?
  • Are there specific activities your joint symptoms have prevented you from doing, such as cooking, climbing stairs, or other daily activities? Be specific.
  • How well is your medication controlling your symptoms? Do you feel it is effective?
  • Do you have a psoriatic arthritis treatment plan? Do you know how to step-up treatment if your symptoms are getting worse?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • Are you satisfied with your psoriatic arthritis treatment plan. If no, why not?
  • In which of your joints are you experiencing pain or swelling, such as your back, fingers, feet, toes, or other areas?
  • Do my symptoms mean I have psoriatic arthritis?
  • Could my symptoms be caused by another medical condition?
  • What medications are available to improve my symptoms?
  • What should I do if my symptoms get worse?
  • Are there lifestyle changes I can make to improve my symptoms, such as exercise or dietary changes?
  • What are the best psoriatic arthritis treatment options for me and how will you decide which is best for me?
  • What should I do if my psoriatic arthritis symptoms get worse?
  • 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 psoriatic arthritis?
  • 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 psoriatic arthritis medications that would do a better job of controlling my symptoms?
  • Are my new or different symptoms an indication that my psoriatic arthritis is getting worse?
  • What should I expect with my specific case of psoriatic arthritis? How do you believe my symptoms will progress?
  • Are there specific activities you would recommend I avoid?
  • How would you categorize my psoriatic arthritis: mild, moderate or severe?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Jul 16
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.