If you aren't feeling well and going to the doctor, what
should you ask? How should you prepare for the visit?
Preparing for your visit to the doctor will make the most
effective use of your time and your practitioner's time.
Write down your questions and concerns before the visit.
Sample questions include:
- What do you think I have?
- How long will it last or take to get better?
- What do I have to do to get rid of it?
- What is the next step if your treatment doesn't work?
- What will happen to my condition if I don't do as you tell me to do?
- Is there an alternative treatment?
- How can I reach you if I have another question?
Asking the health care practitioner questions not only helps
you become more educated about your care, it also can help
the practitioner better organize his or her thoughts about
your care. Questions will help guide the decision making
process by bringing a focus to your health concerns and your
care options. Asking the health care practitioner to
explain his or her assessment is not rude. The practitioner
welcomes relevant questions, and appreciates having an
informed patient as a health care partner. In addition, you
can learn about the consequences if you do not follow the
practitioner's instructions.