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Regular follow-up for a long-term illness
regular follow-up for chronic illness · chronic disease monitoring · chronic illness follow-up · long-term condition check-ups
Regular visits to the doctor for a long-term illness. The doctor checks how treatment is going and keeps the illness from getting worse.
For high blood pressure, diabetes, heart, lung, or kidney disease, and other long-term illnesses.
⏱ Duration: a visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, usually 1 to 4 times a year, as your doctor plans
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Tests. Before the visit you often need to have tests. Check which ones and when.
- Diary. Bring your blood pressure, sugar, or symptom records.
- Medicines. Take them as usual. Do not stop them on your own.
What to bring
- An ID
- A blood pressure or sugar diary
- Recent test results
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- The doctor asks how you feel
- Measures blood pressure, weight, and other readings
- Looks at your tests
- Decides whether to keep or change the treatment
- Writes prescriptions
- Sets the date of your next visit
What you'll feel
- The visit does not hurt
- If blood is drawn, a short prick
Afterwards
- Come on the set dates, even if you feel well
- Write down questions for your next visit
- Do not stop your medicines on your own
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A sudden worsening of your illness, severe chest pain, or shortness of breath: call emergency services
Common questions
Why go if I feel fine?
This way the doctor notices a worsening before you feel it.
Can I be taken off the follow-up list?
Your doctor decides, usually if the illness is gone or has not shown up for a long time.