Asking your doctor questions about your health will keep you informed so you can take action to get healthy.
One of the most important aspects of the doctor-patient relationship is open communication. Oftentimes, a patient will hold a doctor or other health care professional in such high regard that he or she neglects to ask crucial questions. Due to the high volume of patients that one doctor can see in a day, a day's work can become routine, and each patient may not get the individualized treatment that's necessary. Utilize 10 key questions to ask your doctor to ensure you are getting the most individualized treatment you deserve.
How Necessary is This Test?
Many doctors live in fear being sued and therefore institute the better-to-be-safe-than-sorry perspective. Make sure you ask your doctor about the purpose of the test and accuracy of the test. Some tests can have a high false-positive rate, which leads to a different test needing to be done. Also, ask your doctor the benefits and risks of having the test. According to Harvard medical researchers, an estimated 1.5 percent of all cancers in the United States are caused by radiation from CT scans. Ask if there are any alternatives for finding out the necessary information. If you do opt to have the test done, make sure you ask the doctor prepare for the test and if there will be any pain. And don't forget to inquire about how long until you get the results and what the next step will be after the test is over.
What Is My Diagnosis?
After receiving your diagnosis, make sure you ask your doctor what this medical condition is exactly. You need to know what caused it, if it is contagious, and how it will affect your life and the lives of your loved ones. Also, make sure your doctor outlines any lifestyle changes that you'll need to make from now on.
Are There Any Other Possiblities This Could Be?
Many medical conditions share the same symptoms, and misdiagnosing is something that occurs all too often. Make sure you are forthcoming with all of your symptoms, no matter how embarrassing or insignificant they may seem. Ask your doctor why she thinks it is this certain condition.
What Treatments Are Available?
First, ask your doctor what she recommends for your treatment. If your medical condition is rare, few treatment options may be available. But for more common ailments, multiple treatment options may exist, including alternative treatments that your doctor may be unfamiliar to your doctor. Ask about the success rate of certain treatments, the procedure, the duration, and if there are any risks or side effects you should be aware of first.
How Can I Ensure Treatment Goes as Smoothly as Possible?
After deciding on a treatment plan, make sure you find out what the do's and don'ts are while you are in the healing process. There may be certain foods, drugs or activities that need to be avoided, or maybe some that can be of some benefit to you.
What Are You Prescribing Me?
Make sure you know what you're being prescribed and all the risks and side effects associated with it.
The ambiguous names of most prescription medications can leave you at the mercy of your pharmacist if you don't ask your doctor the right questions. Have him explain to you what the medicine is and what is it's function. Are there any side effects associated with it? What kind of foods or other medications should be avoided while taking the medicine? How long should it be before the medicine starts taking affect?
What is Your Board-Certified Specialty?
Just because your doctor has a license to practice medicine does not mean he is qualified to treat your medical condition. Ask your doctor if he is board-certified in the particular specialty of your condition. Only board certification confirms that your doctor has received the appropriate specialized training to treat your condition.
What Are the Possible Complications Associated with this Condition?
For whatever reason, maybe you are resistant to getting treatment for your medical condition. If so, ask your doctor what kind of complications you could be facing should you decide to not go through with any treatment.
What Complications are Associated with the Treatment?
The road to recovery may likely be a bumpy one and it's best to prepare yourself for what you can expect. Knowing what to expect can help you take action to counter any problems. It's also a preventative measure to ensure you don't do anything to reverse or worsen your recovery.
How and When Should I Contact You?
Make sure you ask your doctor what methods of contact are available. Many doctor offices have answering services available for after-hours questions or advice. Find out what constitutes an emergency and what side effects or symptoms would require immediate attention.
