Questions To Ask Your Doctor

Questions To Ask Your Doctor Or Specialist

Questions to Ask Your Doctor After Diagnosis When you receive a new medical diagnosis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But understanding the diagnosis is crucial in getting the best possible care. Asking your doctor these questions will help you get the information you need to understand the diagnosis, manage the condition, and start determining your treatment plan.

List of Questions

What is the name of my condition? Ask your doctor to spell it and write it down. This information will allow you to research the condition on your own. You should ask your doctor to be specific. Interstitial lung disease, (ILD), or COPD are umbrella diagnosis's; whereas Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension are specific.
What are my treatment options? Ask your doctor to lay out all possible treatment options, including different medications, oxygen flow or pulmonary rehab. Ask for a brief discussion of the pros and cons of each option, and ask which treatment is recommended and why. It’s also a good idea to ask when treatment should start.
Who will be coordinating my care? Depending on your diagnosis, you may need to see a variety of healthcare professionals, including physical or occupational therapists, nutritionists, surgeons, and specialized physicians. Asking who is coordinating your care will give you the name of your point person—and help you understand how multiple care providers work together in your best interest.
What lifestyle changes should I make? Sometimes, simple lifestyle tweaks—such as beginning exercise, exercising more, or eating more or less of certain foods, avoiding aerosols, stopping gardening etc.
Will I be able to perform my usual activities? In order to answer this question, your doctor needs up-to-date information regarding your typical work, family and leisure activities. Be sure to ask about anything of particular concern to you. Ask about sex too, and whether you and your partner need to make any modifications to your sex life in light of your condition.
Where can I find helpful information and support? The internet is flooded with information, but it’s not all high quality. Your doctor can point you to reliable sources of information, discuss available hospital or office resources, and connect you to any local support groups.
Who should I call if I have questions? It’s inevitable: you’ll likely think of additional questions after you leave the doctor’s office. So ask who you should turn to for information. In some cases, you may be given the name and number of a nurse; in others, you’ll get information about how to contact your doctor directly. Ask specifically about who will be available after hours or overnight in case you need to reach someone immediately.
What symptoms or problems should I report right away? You need to know which symptoms are routine and which are cause for concern. Ask your doctor to describe, in detail, any symptoms that must be reported immediately—and ask him how he’d like you to report those symptoms. Also ask which symptoms signal an emergency. You need to know when you should call 911 and when you can simply call the doctor’s office. By taking the time to talk through these questions with your doctor, you can empower yourself with the knowledge you need to make the right decisions for your care. If your doctor makes you feel rushed, explain the importance of this information, or consider seeking a second opinion from another physician. Be your own advocate and never hesitate to ask questions, and to make sure you understand the answers.
When is my next appointment?