From SanoLabs, the makers of the Sam app
Get ready for the doctor visit with your parents
For your parents' doctor visit, prepare three things: all their medication or the current list, a few written questions and a few lines about the last weeks.
What should you prepare before the appointment?
- Bag up the medicationEverything in one bag, including over-the-counter products and vitamins. Or bring the current list.
- Write questions down brieflySymptoms, worries, anything unclear. Keep it short, most important question first.
- Note the last weeksA few lines: what has changed? Falls or unsteadiness belong on it.
- Agree how much helpWithout your parents' consent, the practice will normally not give you information.
Sentences for the preparation
You could say Shall I come along, or would you rather go alone?
The decision stays with your parents.
You could say Shall we write down your questions together?
You help sort, not decide.
You could say May I take notes on what the doctor says?
That way nothing gets lost afterwards.
What do you do after the appointment?
- Write it downNote new medication and changes.
- Make the plan visiblePut it where your parent will see it.
- Book the next visitSort it out before leaving the practice.
Sam for the doctor visit
The last weeks are already written down
Your parent notes in Sam how they are doing. They bring a report built from their own entries to the visit.
- Note symptomsIn Sam your parent taps a day and notes which symptoms there were and how strong. It takes seconds.
- Data from Apple HealthSam reads sleep, heart rate and steps from Apple Health. A watch is optional; entries by hand are enough.
- Reports as PDFThe monthly report pulls it together. In one of the eight programs (each with a diary) you also get a doctor report.
- Records within reachLab results and doctor letters can be collected in Sam, so your parent has them at hand during the visit.
Symptom days6
Sleep, average per night
Steps, average per day
Resting heart rate in the appendix
A summary of your own entries. Your doctor interprets it.
Fewer scraps, more overview
Instead ofa list of questions that stays in the coat pocket at the visit
In SamSymptoms, sleep and activity for the month in one report.
Instead ofremembering how the last weeks were
In SamSymptom days in a calendar, to look back through day by day.
Instead ofletters and lab results in three different drawers
In SamRecords in one place, ready to show.
Sam summarises entries and data; what they mean is for the doctor to say.
What adult children often ask
Should I come to the appointment?+
That is your parent's decision. Ask how much support they want, and let them lead the conversation.
Can the practice talk to me about my parents?+
Normally only with their consent. Medical confidentiality applies to relatives too. Your parent can release the practice from it, ideally in writing.
Which questions should we ask?+
Ask, for example, whether the current plan is working, whether a medication needs adjusting, what to do before the next appointment and which symptoms should make you call.
What is a medication list?+
It is a current list of every medicine your parent takes, with doses. Ask the practice or the pharmacy for one, and bring it to every appointment.
Can Sam replace the paperwork?+
No. Keep bringing the medication or the list and your questions. Sam pulls symptoms and Apple Health data into a report; the doctor makes the decisions.
Sources
- Harvard Health: Taking an aging parent to the doctor
- CDC STEADI: Brochure for caregivers on fall prevention
- WHO: Falls fact sheet
Last updated: October 2026
Arrive prepared for the next appointment
Sam summarises the last weeks for the practice.
Sam is a wellness companion and not a medical device. Sam does not diagnose or treat anything and does not replace a doctor. For acute symptoms call your local emergency number (112 in the EU, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US).