At some point in your life (maybe it's right now), you or a loved one may be faced with making a medical decision that could affect your quality of life. You can deal with this issue with greater ease when you have all the information you need. One way to get this information is to ask your doctor all the right questions. This section will teach you what to ask.
Key Questions Checklist
The following is a summary of the key questions and recommendations that
will help you make medical decisions. Use them as a guide when you visit your doctor or
health care provider. Check off the items you wish to discuss with your doctor or health
care provider as the need arises.
1. Description - What
is my current complaint?
_ What do I think the problem is?
_ When did it start?
_ What makes it better?
_ What makes it worse?
_ What are my signs and symptoms?
_ What daily habits are affected (i.e., eating, sleeping, activity, etc.)? Is it constant
or does it only occur at certain times?
2. Diagnosis - What
is my diagnosis?
_ Can you explain the diagnosis to me in detail?
_ Is my condition chronic or acute?
_ If it is chronic, how will it affect my life?
_ Is my condition one that will be with me all of the time or will it come and go?
_ If it will come and go, how often should I expect it?
_ Is there anything I can do to help prevent it?
_ Is my condition contagious? If yes, what should I do?
_ Is my condition genetic? If yes, what can I do?
_ How certain are you about this diagnosis?
_ Do you have any literature about my condition?
_ Is there a support group available?
3. Treatment - What is the recommended treatment plan?
_ Write down a description of the recommended treatment plan.
_ What results do you expect?
_ When can I expect to see results?
If you are discussing surgery:
_ Give me a step-by-step account of the procedure, including anesthesia
and recovery. Also, consider getting a second **opinion.
If you are discussing a test:
_ What is the test called, and how will it help identify what is wrong?
_ Will it give us specific or general information?
_ If the answer is general, where do we go from here?
_ Will more tests be necessary?
_ How accurate and reliable is the test?
_ Is the test invasive or noninvasive?
_ What will I have to do to prepare for the test?
_ Where do I go for the test?
_ How and when will I get the test's results?
(Also see Questions to Ask About Medications.)
4. Benefits - What are the benefits of
the treatment?
_ What will be the specific benefits if I go ahead with the treatment?
_ To what extent will the treatment improve my condition?
_ Is there documented evidence that shows the recommended treatment will have a positive
outcome?
5. Risks - What are the potential risks
of the treatment?
_ List the possible risks and complications.
_ Do the benefits outweigh the risks, or vice versa?
_ Make a list of the risks and benefits, rating each between 1 and 5 to aid in your
decision-making process. (1 being not as **important, and 5
being very important).
6. Success -
What is the success rate for the treatment?
_ What is the national success rate?
_ What is the success rate at the hospital/medical facility where my treatment is planned?
_ What is the surgeon's success rate and experience with the surgery?
_ How many procedures are the above success rates based on?
_ Are there any personal factors that will affect my odds either way?
_ How long will the results of my surgery/treatment last?
7. Timing -
When should I begin the treatment?
_ When is the best time to get started with the treatment plan?
_ Do I have to undergo treatment right away? If not, how long can I safely wait?
_ Determine the best time for you to begin the treatment plan.
8. Alternatives
- What are my options?
_ What will happen if I decide to do nothing?
_ What are my other options? Include nonsurgical and outpatient alternatives if you are
discussing surgery.
_ If you are not satisfied with your options, discuss this with your doctor. If you are
still not satisfied, you may consider **consulting another
physician.
_ Look into every option which you are considering as thoroughly as the original treatment
plan.
9. Cost -
How much will the treatment cost?
_ What is the cost of the recommended treatment plan?
_ Check with your insurance company to see what portion will be covered and whether you
need to do anything to receive **maximum coverage, i.e.,
seeking a second opinion, getting preauthorization, etc.
_ What related costs do I need to consider, i.e., time off work, child care,
transportation, etc.?
10. Decision
- What do I decide to do?
_ You are now in a better position to make an intelligent, informed decision.
_ Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your body and have the right to choose or
refuse treatment.
_ If you feel rushed or uncomfortable when you discuss this information with your doctor,
tell him or her how you feel.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/20/99