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Appendix 2: Key
Questions to ask your Doctor |
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You need to learn
to ask the right questions, if you want to get the
right answers.
Anonymous
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This appendix provides a list of the key questions
that will assist you in making medical decisions
when you visit your doctor. Photocopy these and
check off the items you wish to discuss, as and
when the need arises:
1. Diagnosis:
- What is my diagnosis?
- Can you explain the diagnosis to me in detail?
- Is my condition chronic or acute?
- If it is chronic , how will it affect my life?
- Is my condition one that will be with me constantly or
will it come and go in stages?
- If it will come and go in stages, how often would these
stages occur?
- Is there anything I can do to help prevent this condition?
- Is my condition contagious? If yes, what should I do?
- Is my condition genetic? If yes, what should I do?
- How certain are you about this diagnosis?
- Do you have any literature about my condition?
- Is there a support group available?
- What effect will my condition have on my personal life
and professional activities?
2. Tests:
- What is the test called and how will it help identify what
is wrong?
- Will it give us specific or general information?
- If the answer is general, where do we go from here?
- How accurate and reliable is the test?
- Is the test invasive or non-invasive?
- What will I have to do to prepare for the test?
- Where do I go for the test?
- How and when will I get the test results?
- Will more tests be necessary?
- How will this test change my treatment?
3. Treatment:
- What is the recommended treatment plan?
- What results do you expect?
- When can I expect to see results?
4. Benefits
- What are the general benefits of the treatment?
- What will be the specific benefits if I go ahead with the treatment?
- To what extent will the treatment improve my condition?
- Is there documented evidence that the recommended treatment will have a positive outcome?
5. Risks: What are the potential risks of the treatment?
- Can you list the possible risks and complications?
- Do the benefits outweigh the risks or vice versa?
- Can you list the risks and benefits, rating each between one and five, to aid in your decision-making process (one being not very important and five being very important)?
6. Success
- What is the overall success rate for the treatment?
- What is the national success rate?
- What is the success rate at the hospital or medical facility where my treatment is being planned?
- What is your (doctor's) success rate and experience with the surgery?
- On how many procedures are the preceding success rates based?
- Are there any personal factors that will affect my odds either way?
- How long will the results of my surgery or treatment last?
7. Timing:
- When should I begin the treatment?
- When is the best time to get started with the treatment plan?
- Do I have to undergo treatment right away?
- If not, how long can I safely wait?
8. Alternatives:
- What are my options
- What will happen if I decide to do nothing?
- Can we (you and the doctor) investigate every option which you are considering as thoroughly as the original treatment plan?
What happens if you are not satisfied with your options? Discuss this with your doctor. If you are still not satisfied, consider consulting another physician.
9. Cost:
- How much will the treatment cost?
- What is the cost of the recommended treatment plan?
- What related costs do I need to consider (e.g., time off from work, child care, transportation)?
check with your insurance company to see what portion will be covered and whether you need to do anything to receive maximum coverage (e.g., seeking a second opinion and getting pre-authorisation).
10. Decision:
You are now in a better position to make an intelligent, informed decision? Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your own body and have the right to choose or refuse treatment. If you feel rushed or otherwise uncomfortable when discussing this information with your doctor, tell him or her how you feel.
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