QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

Q U E S T I O N S T O A S K Y O U R D O C T O RSThe following is a list of questions that you can ask your doctors. When you see thembring it with a pen or pencil to jolt down the answers.About Diseases and Conditions• What is the cause of my problem?• Could you explain it in lay terms, draw a picture orshow me some images?• Is it serious?• What symptoms should I be on the look out for?• If one occurs should I call or e-mail youimmediately?• What do I need to do about this disease/condition• Why is it important for me to do this?• What are my options?• What are the pros and cons of each one?• What are the short, medium and long termconsequences of each one?• Can I transmit my problem to people around me? Ifso, how and until when?• Are there things I should avoid (activities, foods,drinks, medicines)? If so, until when?• When can I return to work?• What changes should I report to you, if any?• How can I prevent this in the future?• Where can I find reliable information on thisproblem?About Tests• Why is this test needed?• How good is the test in diagnosing mydisease/condition?• What will happen if I don't take it?• Are there any risks involved?• Will it hurt? If so, is there anything I can do toeliminate or decrease the pain?

disease/condition?• What will happen if I don't take it?• Are there any risks involved?• Will it hurt? If so, is there anything I can do toeliminate or decrease the pain?• Are there side effects to the procedure?• How should I prepare for it?• What changes should I report to you, if any?About TreatmentAbout Cost• What are my treatment options?• What are the pros and cons of each option? Whatdoes each treatment do?• What are the expected outcomes?• What will happen if I don't follow the prescription?• What is the duration of the treatment?• What are the side effects?• What would happen if I missed part of it?• What would happen if I stopped it before the end?• Which changes should I report to you and when?• How can I find out my out-of-pocket cost fortreatment and tests?• Is there anyone at your office who can help meliaise with my insurance company?Remember: The more questions you ask, the more you willdiscover about you and your condition and the more youknow, the easier it is to manage your health. Your doctor isalso a teacher and a coach.( prepared by Yann A. Meunier, MD)