You and your physician must communicate clearly and effectively with one another. For example, your physician will depend on the clearest input you can provide regarding your symptoms, and family, health, and treatment history. In return, you have every right to expect clear and helpful answers to reasonable questions. You will need these answers in order to make informed decisions regarding your healthcare.
Here is a list of suggested basic questions you should feel free to ask your doctor:
- Doctor, what is your diagnosis? Why and how am I at risk? What is the basis for your assessment?
- If the condition is left untreated, what is its typical progression? What is my specific outlook?
- What preventative steps can I take to improve my condition and reduce my risk?
- What are my treatment options? How effective is each? What risks, complications, side effects and recovery time are associated with each?
- Which course of treatment do you recommend, and why?
- What beneficial changes in my condition should I expect from this treatment?
- What progressive symptoms or warning signs should I be especially watchful for even after treatment?
- What follow-up monitoring plan do you recommend?
