Questions to Ask Your Provider: Symptoms and Complaints
What is the suspected disease(s) or condition(s) related to my symptoms and complaints?
How serious is my disease or condition and how will it affect my home and work life?
What is the short-term and long-term prognosis for my suspected disease or condition?
What caused my suspected disease or condition?
Is there more than one disease or condition that could be causing my symptoms?
Should I be tested for a certain disease or condition?
What symptoms should I watch for?
How can I be tested for a disease or condition, and what will these tests tell me?
What testing will be involved in measuring and managing my disease or condition?
How safe and accurate are the tests?
When will I know the test’s results?
Will I need additional testing after the initial testing?
Will I need follow-up visits and if so, when (and how often)?
Do I need to take precautions to avoid infecting others?
How is the disease or condition treated?
Questions to Ask Your Provider: Care Plan
What are my care plan options?
How long will the initial care plan take?
What is the cost of the care plan?
What are the long-term management recommendations for this disease or condition?
Which treatment is most common for my disease or condition?
Is there a generic form of my treatment and is it as effective?
What side effects can I expect?
What risks and benefits are associated with the treatment?
What would happen if I didn’t have any treatment?
What would happen if I delayed my care plan?
Is there anything I should avoid during my care plan?
What should I do if I have side effects or new complaints/symptoms during my care plan?
How will I know if the care plan is working?
What would I do if I missed a dose of medication?
Will my job or lifestyle be affected?
What are the short-term and long-term consequences of not addressing my complaints and symptoms now?