| The following notes are provided by the Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach Program at Stanford University.
In late October 2025, the Parkinson's Foundation presented a webinar: "Optimizing Care: Empowering Your Voice in Medical Appointments," as part of its Optimizing Care Initiative.
The Optimizing Care Initiative is intended to help people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) monitor symptoms in advance of medical appointments, and communicate their needs and personal goals to their health care team.
Neurologist Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, with Duke University and Parkinson's caregiver Carla Velastegui were the speakers, giving listeners both professional and personal perspectives on preparing for neurological appointments, self-advocacy during appointments, and following through on the care plan between appointments.
Dr. Mantri acknowledged that the number of issues a person with PD may want to discuss often don't fit into a limited appointment time. She introduced a powerful storytelling formula she calls "Headline + Impact." This self-advocacy tool shares what symptoms you are experiencing and the effect it is having on your quality of life. It helps your neurologist understand the whole situation, what is bothersome and why, so they can suggest effective solutions.
Dr. Mantri also shared a new fact sheet and worksheet developed by the Parkinson's Foundation that helps people with PD and their care partners identify the three most important issues to discuss during their next neurology appointment.
Steps to Prepare for a Parkinson's Appointment:
Fact Sheet: parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/prepare-parkinsons-appointment
Worksheet: parkinson.org/sites/default/files/documents/Steps-Prepare-Parkinson-Appointment-Fillable.pdf
Carla Velasgui outlined a 7-point appointment preparation guide that she and her mother use before neurology appointments. This level of preparation empowers people with PD and their caregivers. It also builds the partnership between the care provider, caregiver, and person with PD, optimizing care.
1. Prepare ahead – Track symptoms for at least a week, make note of what's most bothersome
2. Review your notes – Decide how to focus the discussion by identifying your top priorities
3. Identify your priorities – Determine 2-3 things that matter most for this appointment
4. Speak up – Become comfortable sharing observations, needs, and goals
5. Honor autonomy – This is especially important for care partners; it means respect the rights of the person with PD to make their own healthcare decisions, even if you disagree
6. Clarify next steps – Leave the appointment with an action plan that you understand
7. Stay involved – Care partners should remain active between appointments by monitoring progress, medication side effects, and mood changes.
Dr. Mantri ended by reminding people that what you do between PD appointments also a considerable factor in your overall health. These are her recommendations: - Follow through on any recommendations made
- Educate yourself on PD and what is impacting you
- Access available referrals and resources
- Engage in exercise or support groups
- Monitor progress
Watch the webinar on the Parkinson's Foundation YouTube channel: youtube.com/watch?v=fKBCbxOsFdc&list=PLDGRDRM479GuzZjOzPl6Pm8MpwoGfIEpu&index=3
Find more information about preparing for doctor appointments on the Stanford's Parkinson's Community Outreach website, including symptom tracking worksheets, online tools, and apps.
https://med.stanford.edu/parkinsons/symptoms-PD/appointments.html | 
