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?
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. 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 and ask
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.
National Institutes of Health