TOPICS
Preparations | The Art of Asking Questions
General Questions | Treatment Questions | Side-Effect Questions | Test Questions
Teamwork Questions | Related Resources
 Consults can be stressful and sometimes rushed. It's very easy to forget to ask an important question ... and it can be difficult to absorb your doctor's comments and guidance.
You can enhance the quality of your consults by preparing good questions in advance - in writing, and by bringing a loved one to the consult to listen in and to participate.
Along with your written questions, also provide in writing a concise medical history or diary of events in chronological order ... so that your doctor can easily see the big picture.
These preparations will give the doctor the information he or she needs to provide quality advice and care.
Preparations
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Bring a trusted friend or relative,
and/or ask if you can tape the consult so
you are sure not to miss important information.
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Prepare a concise story of your diagnosis, treatments to help your doctor to see the big picture.
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Prepare also the following:
(1) the referral if needed
(2) authorization if needed
(3) insurance cards
(4) emergency contacts
(5) other doctor & local pharmacy contacts
(6) pathology report & slides
(7) concise written diagnosis, treatment and medical history
(8) your medications & supplements list
(9) radiology reports & film
(10) your allergy list
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Printable checklists prepared by PAL:
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THE ART of ASKING QUESTIONS
Honesty and diplomacy can help to build a mutually respectful and supportive relationships with the members of your health care team.
Start by asking: "Is this a good time to ask questions, doctor?"
Indicate that some of your lower-priority questions can be answered later when time allows, by phone or email.
Also inquire: "How are you doing, doctor?"
Provide a copy of your questions in writing – with space for answers – so your doctor can answer all of your questions when time allows.
Communicate honestly about side effects and symptoms (See for checklist: PDF).
Find ways to show your appreciation for the skills and dedication of your health care team when it is evident.
Try not to overwhelm your doctor with a laundry list of questions in any one consult.
List your most important questions first, and indicate which are most important to you with a star.
Prepare a concise story of your diagnosis, past treatment, and concerning new symptoms if any ...
to help your doctor to see the big picture.
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GENERAL QUESTIONS
A checklist to pick from. Provide your questions to your doctor in writing - listing the questions of highest importance first - and marking them as such.
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TREATMENT-RELATED QUESTIONS
A checklist to pick from. Provide your questions to your doctor in writing - listing the questions of highest importance first - and marking them as such.
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What is my diagnosis? And can you please provide me a copy of the pathology report.
Can a second expert review of the sample be done to confirm the diagnosis?
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How widespread is the disease (the stage)?
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Do I have any unique risk factors that might influence how I should be treated?
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Does the disease require prompt treatment and why?
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Can the disease be cured?
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What are the symptoms of the disease, and which indicate a need for treatment?
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What are my treatment choices?
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Do you offer radioimmunotherapy as a treatment option?
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Are new treatments under study? Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
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Which treatment or treatment sequence do you recommend? Why?
NOTE: The rationale for a treatment can be especially important to you when there are multiple choices and there is no clear best approach.
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What is your level of confidence that the recommended treatment is the best choice?
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What is the goal of this treatment? (management versus durable remission)
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What are the chances that the treatment will be successful?
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Is the collection of stem cells indicated before or after this treatment?
When is the best time to consider stem cell harvesting, in general?
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How long will the treatments last?
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How long will it take for the treatment to begin working against the disease?
EXAMPLES: Antibiotic therapy for H-pylori can take 12 months or more to show a result against MALT lymphoma; and Rituxan therapy can take many months before an optimal response is seen.
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How easy is it to administer; will it disrupt my normal life or ability to work?
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How durable is the response likely to be?
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What signs will indicate that the therapy is beginning to work or that it is not working?
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What tests will be used to measure or gauge an early response to treatment?
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SIDE EFFECT QUESTIONS
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What side effects should I expect?
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What side effects should I report to you immediately?
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What side effects may I experience that are not dangerous?
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Will there be side effects that may prevent me from using other important treatments, or make it more difficult to harvesting of stem cells in future?
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What signs or changes should I report immediately?
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What is the best way to contact you about side effects?
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How will I feel during therapy, and will it affect my ability to do normal activities?
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Can I have sexual relations during this treatment?
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What can I do to minimize risks during therapy, such as risk of infection?
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Will the treatment or withdrawal from treatment cause depression?
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Will you prescribe medications to minimize side effects and risks? Neupogen? Anti-nausea? Anti-depressive? …
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What foods, supplements, procedures, or medications should I avoid during treatment?
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TEST QUESTIONS
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What tests will you order?
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What will the tests show or indicate?
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Can the test show false positive results? How often?
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Will you provide copies of the results?
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How often should I receive these tests?
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What toxicity and/or risks are associated with this test – or the repeated long-term use of this test? Is there a safer alternative?
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What changes or symptoms may indicate the need for tests?
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What test results indicate a need to initiate or change treatment?
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When is a bone marrow biopsy indicated?
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What steps will you take to minimize the discomfort and anxiety associated with the bone marrow test?
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TEAMWORK QUESTIONS
KevinMD: How well does your doctor play with others? http://bit.ly/SxTltL
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“Do you discuss cases with your partners?”
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“How do you cover each other on the weekends?”
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“How long have you been together?”
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“What do you, as a doctor, look for in other doctors?”
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“What is your culture of collaboration?”
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“Is there is a unifying philosophy that the doctors in your practice share? What is it?”
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Teamwork questions
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Speaking of Teamwork ... Show your support for PAL by Giving Us a High 5!
(no more or less can be gifted to PAL with this PayPAL button.
See also Other Ways to Help)
Related Resources
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Checklist for Doctor Visits & Resources PAL
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Printable Treatment Appointment Diary PAL
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Preparing for Doctor Visits PDF
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Is a clinical trial appropriate for me? PDF
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When to Consider Clinical trials, based on your clinical circumstances PDF
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Treatment History Diary PDF
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