One useful thing today

Feel prepared for your rheumatology appointment.

Bring together your symptoms, medicines and questions, then leave with a clearer idea of what happens next.

You don’t need to complete everything. Use the parts that feel helpful to you.

Before you start: This helps you prepare for a conversation with your healthcare team. If you’re concerned about new or worsening symptoms, seek medical advice rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.

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The Hibbs Lupus Trust · Rheumatology appointment checklist · hibbslupustrust.org

What matters most to you?

Start with the two or three things you most want to discuss.

My main priorities

Appointment date and time

Clinic, phone or video details

Since your last appointment

Think about what has changed, even if it does not seem important at first.

Note any new symptoms.Think about symptoms that have become better or worse.Note when symptoms started and whether they come and go.Think about how symptoms are affecting everyday activities, work, sleep or energy levels.Make a note of any flares or periods when your lupus seemed more active.Keep photographs of symptoms that are difficult to see at an appointment, such as a rash or swelling.Note any other health changes or medical appointments since you were last seen.

My symptoms and changes

Your medicines

Having an up-to-date medicines list can make the conversation easier.

Check the names and doses of your current prescribed medicines.Include medicines you take only when needed.Include over-the-counter medicines, vitamins or supplements you regularly take.Make a note of any medicine you have stopped or changed since your previous appointment.Write down any side effects or concerns you want to discuss.Check whether you need any repeat prescriptions or medication advice.Include any allergies or previous reactions to medicines.

My medicines, doses and concerns

Questions you want to ask

Appointments can move quickly. Writing down your questions beforehand can help you remember what matters to you.

What could be causing the symptoms I am experiencing?Has anything changed in my lupus or test results?Do I need any further tests or monitoring?Is my current treatment still appropriate?Are there side effects or symptoms I should look out for?Is there anything I should change or avoid between appointments?When should I contact the rheumatology team rather than wait for my next appointment?

My questions

Before you leave your appointment

It can be useful to check that you know what happens next.

Make sure you understand any changes to your medicines or treatment.Check whether any blood tests, scans or other investigations are being arranged.Ask when and how you will receive any results.Check when your next appointment is likely to be.Make a note of who to contact if you have concerns before then.Write down anything you need to do next.

My agreed care plan and next steps

Ready to take with you

Your medicines list and any allergy information.
Your questions and relevant symptom photographs.
Anything your healthcare team has asked you to bring.
Glasses or hearing aids if you need them.

You can take someone you trust for support, or ask your clinic about an interpreter or communication support beforehand. Check your appointment instructions and travel or phone/video arrangements.

Keep exploring

Lupus treatment →Newly diagnosed →Lupus questions →

About this information

This information is for general guidance and does not replace advice from your healthcare team. Your own care plan takes priority.

Information updated: October 2026

Sources used for this page

NHS — Outpatients and day patients (opens in new tab)
Guidance on preparing symptoms, medicines, allergies, questions and support for an outpatient appointment.
NHS — What to ask your doctor (opens in new tab)
Questions and practical steps before, during and after an appointment.

Feel prepared for your rheumatology appointment.

What matters most to you?

Since your last appointment

Your medicines

Questions you want to ask

Before you leave your appointment

Ready to take with you

Keep exploring

About this information

Sources used for this page

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