It is imperative that you understand what’s going on when you go to your doctor. Sometimes they might speak another language which you don’t understand, or they may talk about a lot of medical jargon that you’re unfamiliar with. That doesn’t have to be a concern- You have the right to ask any (and as many) questions as you want!
The Cleveland Clinic has outlined a few questions below that can help to lessen your confusion about your condition and the treatment thereof.
About Your Symptoms or Diagnosis
What is the condition or disease?
How serious is the condition or disease and how will it affect my work and personal life?
What is the short-term and long-term prognosis for my condition or disease?
What caused the condition or disease?
Is there more than one thing that could be causing my symptoms?
Should I be tested for anything in particular? What will these tests tell me? Are they accurate?
What symptoms should I look out for?
Do I need to schedule a follow-up visit and if so, when?
Do I need to take precautions to prevent infecting others?
What are the treatment options for this condition or disease?
About Your Treatment
What are my treatment options?
How long will the treatment take and what are the costs involved?
Is there a generic form of these treatment options and is it as effective?
What side effects can I expect? What should I do if they come about?
What are the risks and benefits of the treatment?
What would happen if I delayed or decided against any of these treatments?
Is there anything I should avoid during treatment?
How will I know if the treatment is effective?
What should I do if I forget to take a dose of medication?
How will my job or lifestyle be affected?
If You Need Surgery
Why do I need surgery and what are the benefits?
What surgical procedure is recommended and how much will it cost?
Is there more than one way of performing this surgery?
Are there alternatives to surgery?
What are the risks of having this surgery?
What will happen to me if I decide against this surgery?
Where can I get a second opinion?
How long will I be in hospital and what is the duration of the recovery process?
How much experience do you have performing this surgery?
Remember that you are entitled to know everything about your condition, and you should be as informed as possible so that you can know what to expect and how to prepare. Forewarned is forearmed!
We hope that the questions above have been able to help you. If you’d like to get in touch with us, please do so here.
