What medical records to bring to your first appointment

Bring your referral letter if you have one — it saves time and gives me your GP's perspective in their own words.

Bring all relevant imaging on disc or a memory stick, not just the printed report. I need to see the actual scan images, not just someone else's description of them. Most radiology practices give you a disc at the time of the scan; if not, ring them and ask.

Bring recent blood results (usually within three months), particularly if you have diabetes, kidney disease or take blood thinners. Bring any nerve conduction studies, EMGs or bone density scans if you have had them.

Bring a written list of every medication, supplement and herbal remedy you take, with doses. Photograph the boxes if that is easier. This matters — several common medications need to be stopped before surgery.

If you have had previous spine or brain surgery, bring the operation note and discharge summary. Old records save us from repeating tests and from making avoidable mistakes.