How to Prepare for a Doctor's Visit
The average primary care visit lasts 15-20 minutes. Efficiency is crucial to getting an accurate diagnosis.
1. The "Chief Complaint"
Prioritize your concerns. Pick the top 1 or 2 most pressing issues. Do not bring a list of 10 disparate symptoms, known as a "doorknob list".
2. Use the OLD CARTS mnemonic
Prepare to answer these specific questions about your main symptom:
- Onset: When exactly did it start?
- Location: Where is it? Does it radiate?
- Duration: How long does it last? Is it constant or intermittent?
- Character: Sharp, dull, throbbing, burning?
- Aggravating factors: What makes it worse?
- Relieving factors: What makes it better?
- Timing: Is it worse morning or night?
- Severity: Scale of 1-10.
Interactive Tool: Appointment Prep Checklist Generator
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a medical diagnosis?
No, Dr. Hi AI provides informational analysis based on probabilities, not a definitive diagnosis. Always consult a physician.
How accurate is the system?
In a 2023 peer-reviewed study, the underlying probabilistic engine demonstrated a 91.5% top-3 diagnostic accuracy against standardized clinical vignettes.
Common Diagnostic Mistakes
- Anchoring bias: Focusing too early on one symptom and ignoring later information.
- Availability heuristic: Assuming a recent outbreak or highly publicized disease is the cause of common symptoms.
Your Natural Next Step
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, Start a free AI symptom check.