Ask, “Is there anything else?” This question, which you may have to repeat several times, helps to get all of the patient’s concerns on the table at the beginning of the visit.
The main concern may not be the first one mentioned, especially if it is a sensitive subject. If there are too many concerns to address in one visit, you can plan with the patient to address some now and some next time.
Encourage the patient and his or her caregivers to bring a written list of concerns and questions. Sometimes an older patient will seek medical care because of concerns of family members or caregivers.