Questions You Can Ask Your Doctor
Last Updated: April 2, 2013
Today, patients take an active role in their health care. You
and your doctor will work in partnership to achieve your best
possible level of health. An important part of this relationship is
good communication. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor
to get your discussion started:
About My Disease or Disorder
- What is my diagnosis?
- What caused my condition?
- Can my condition be treated?
- How will this condition affect my vision now and in the
future?
- Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if
they occur?
- Should I make any lifestyle changes?
About My Treatment
- What is the treatment for my condition?
- When will the treatment start, and how long will it last?
- What are the benefits of this treatment, and how successful is
it?
- What are the risks and side effects associated with this
treatment?
- Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm
on this treatment?
- If my treatment includes taking a medication, what should I do
if I miss a dose?
- Are other treatments available?
About My Tests
- What kinds of tests will I have?
- What do you expect to find out from these tests?
- When will I know the results?
- Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the
tests?
- Do these tests have any side effects or risks?
- Will I need more tests later?
Understanding your doctor's responses is essential to good
communication. Here are a few more tips:
- If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions
until you do understand.
- Take notes, or get a friend or family member to take notes for
you. Or, bring a tape-recorder to assist in your recollection of
the discussion.
- Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions to
you.
- Ask your doctor for printed material about your condition.
- If you still have trouble understanding your doctor's answers,
ask where you can go for more information.
- Other members of your health care team, such as nurses and
pharmacists, can be good sources of information. Talk to them,
too.
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