Whether you are searching for a new doctor or trying to figure out what to do when you have a health issue, asking the right questions can help you get the answers you need. The more involved you are in pursuing information about your health care, the more of an advocate you can be for yourself.

You should never feel uncomfortable or ashamed to ask a question of a medical professional. Asking questions is the key to good communication and fully understanding your health. If you find it’s difficult to ask questions or you don’t get straight answers, it may be time to look for a new health care provider.

Here are questions to ask in different situations. This list is not all-inclusive and you may have other questions, too. If you don’t think you’ll remember what you want to ask, write it down before you go.

Before choosing a doctor:

1. What are your medical qualifications and experience?
2. Are you board-certified?
3. What are your areas of expertise?
4. What hospitals are you affiliated with?
5. How can I communicate with you between visits?
6. How easy is it to get an appointment when I need one?
7. Will I always be able to see you or will I have to see others in the group?
8. How much time do you spend with patients during appointments?
9. How comfortable are you with patients being involved in healthcare decisions?
10. Do you accept my insurance?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a health issue:

1. What is the name of the condition I have?
2. What does that word mean (if you don’t understand something)?
3. How will it affect me?
4. How serious is it?
5. What may have caused it?
6. Is there something else that can be causing my symptoms?
7. What is the treatment?
8. How long will it last?
9. Is there a cure?
10. How can I learn more about the condition?

About medications and treatments:

1. What are my treatment options?
2. How am I supposed to do something (if instructions aren’t clear)?
3. What is the name of the medication or treatment being prescribed?
4. Why is it being prescribed to me?
5. How long do I take it/do it for?
6. Does this medication interact with anything else I take?
7. What are the side effects? What should I do if I have any?
8. Are there other medications/treatments that would also work?
9. How will I know if the medication/treatment is working?
10. How much does it cost?

Before a medical test:

1. Why is the test being done?
2. What will it show?
3. How accurate is the test?
4. Are there any dangers or side effects?
5. What does the test involve?
6. What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
7. How will I get the results and when will I get them?
8. Do I need a follow-up visit after the test?
9. Are there other tests I may also need?
10. What does the test cost?

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