Questions to Ask the Doctor

If you can have a good understanding of your disease and can explain your condition back to your doctor, then you’re in good shape. Questions are your primary resource to gain a better understanding of your disease and enhance your quality of care. Well-thought-out questions can make all the difference and can help you get the most out of your appointments. If you don’t know what to ask, consider questions like:

• Can you write down the next step in the plan?
• Why are we doing these tests?
• What are my treatment options?
• Why do you recommend this treatment? What are the benefits? How effective is it?
• What are the risks and side effects of this medication?
• Do you have any advice on managing the side effects?