Sample Questions You May Wish to Ask Your Doctor

GENERAL

What’s wrong with me?
What treatment should I follow, including medical treatment and/or dietary and lifestyle changes?
What are the risks?
What medicines are you giving me? What are they for?
How should I expect to feel during treatment?
Where can I find emotional support for me and my family?
Are there clinical trials I could participate in?
What questions should I ask if I am referred for another procedure?
What questions should I be prepared to ask for particular procedures, diagnostic tests, and treatment options?
Why is scrutiny important prior to an emergency room visit?
Is an ambulatory/urgent care center a better alternative than an emergency room?

Do I need testing? If so, what?
How much do these tests cost?
How much will my health plan pay?
How often should I have these tests? Should I call to schedule the test or will the doctor’s office do it for me?
How do I prepare for any tests I may need?
When and how will I get my test results?

Do I need surgery at this time?
Who will perform the surgery?
How many times has this surgeon performed the procedure?
When should I have this surgery?
Do I have any alternative options or non-surgical alternatives? (Ask about minimally invasive procedures versus major ones.)
Do I have choices outside of surgery?
What are the benefits of this surgery?
What are the risks?
Where will I have this surgery?
Can I have surgery as an outpatient?
Where can I get a second opinion?

Housed here are key components and information within the book, Bend the Healthcare Trend which was the impetus behind the CDHPCoach.