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Questions to ask your doctor

Good communication is important and asking questions can make your visit more useful.

Remember that writing down questions and making notes about answers can be helpful when reviewing information after your visit.

These are sample questions you can ask to get a better understanding of your problem.

• Can you describe my condition in simple language?
• How will this condition affect me in the future?
• How serious is this condition?
• What sort of tests will be needed?
• How good are the tests for diagnosing the problem and the conditions?
•  What sort of treatment will be needed?
• Why do I need this test, treatment, surgery or procedure?
• When will I need to start treatment?
• What is the likely course of this condition?
• Will I need regular check ups?
• What are the benefits of this type of treatment?
• Are there any risks to this treatment?
• What is success or failure rate of this treatment?
• Are there any immediate side effects to this treatment?
• Does this treatment cause any other long-term changes either physical, social, emotional, mental or sexual?
• Are there any other treatment choices?
• What might happen if I don’t have this treatment?
• What happens if I choose to have no treatment?
• How long will I have to undergo treatment?
• What should I expect after treatment?
• When do I need to decide about my treatment?
• Are there other health professionals that I need to see?
• Would complimentary therapies help my health?
• Do I need to change my lifestyle, e.g. diet, exercise, weight?
• Is there a dietician available if I have nutritional concerns or difficulties?
•  Do you have any information that I can take with me?
• Where can I get written information about my illness?