At Your Appointment

Lyme Disease Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.

• Has the doctor diagnosed you or your loved one with Lyme disease?

  1. Yes, diagnosed
  2. No, undiagnosed
• Will this appointment be an in-office visit or an online/telehealth appointment?

  1. In-office visit
  2. Online/telehealth appointment
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Top Questions Your Doctor May Ask You About Lyme Disease If you’re having a telehealth appointment, it's helpful to keep these things in mind. Test your computer or smartphone to make sure you can log in without difficulties. Since the doctor can’t examine you in person, be very specific about your symptoms. Print this appointment guide or write down your questions so you remember what to ask, and consider having someone sit with you to listen in. Have your medicines with you so you can show the doctor the labels and doses, and if you are interested in a specific treatment, be sure to ask about it.

• Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
• Are you still having symptoms, such as muscle aches, joint pain, or fatigue?
• Are you having problems with weakness, numbness, or muscle movement?
• Are you having problems with memory, thinking, or completing tasks?
• Have you been able to maintain your work or school schedule? Have you missed any days due to your symptoms?
• How often have you missed or forgotten a dose of your antibiotic?
• Have you recently had a tick bite or been in a wooded area?
• Describe your symptoms. Do you have a rash, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, or headaches?
• Is your rash or red area growing larger or remaining about the same?
• When did you first notice symptoms? How long have you had them?
• Are your symptoms always present or do they come and go? Are they improving?
• What seems to make your symptoms better or worse?
• What side effects are you experiencing from your antibiotic?
• What tests and treatments have you had so far?
• What new symptoms are you experiencing?

Top Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Lyme Disease Many people forget to ask important questions at their doctor's appointments. You may want to print or write these questions down before your appointment so you remember to get the answers you need.

• What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• Could I have Lyme disease even if I don't remember having a tick bite?
• How is Lyme disease diagnosed? What tests do I need? Are tests always needed?
• What treatment options are available for Lyme disease?
• Do I need to see an infectious disease specialist?
• How long will I need to take antibiotics? What should I do if I miss a dose?
• How will you know if my Lyme disease is cured?
• What is post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome? How common is it and how long does it typically last?
• Once I complete Lyme disease treatment, can I get it again?
• How can I avoid Lyme disease in the future?
• Could another antibiotic be just as effective with fewer side effects?
• Could my new or different symptoms be related to Lyme disease?
• How do you know whether or not some other condition is the cause of my symptoms?

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