Tips On How To Talk To Your Doctor

It's important to be comfortable talking to your doctor, especially when he/she suggests that you take medicine, undergo medical tests, go to the hospital or have surgery. Sometimes we're frightened by what the doctor says - or we feel as though we're taking up too much of the doctor's time - so we don't ask why the doctor thinks such recommendations are necessary.

Often, your doctor can share information with you that will help ease your fears or tell you about other choices you could have. Sometimes, you need to ask questions to get this information or find out about an alternative medication or treatment.

It's not the Fund's intent to provide medical advice; however, this section offers some tips on questions you can ask your doctor to get the information you should have.

For any illness, ask . . .

• What is the diagnosis? (Or, what is wrong?)
• How serious is this?
• What caused this? Was it something I did or didn't do?
• What about treatment? What are my options?
• What do the treatment options cost?
• What would happen if I didn't get treatment?
• Do I need a second opinion?
• What's the next step?

For medical tests, ask . . .

• Why do I need these tests?
• How accurate are the tests?
• Do I have to do anything to prepare for the tests?
• How will the test results affect my treatment?
• Are there any risks associated with taking these tests?
• Is the lab part of the network?

For prescriptions, ask . . .

• What is the name of the drug?
• What is it supposed to do?
• Are there any side effects? If so, what are they?
• What are the directions for taking this drug? What is the dosage and how long must I take the drug?
• I'm on other medications; can they be taken together?
• Are there any special things I should do, like take the medication only after meals?
• Is there anything I shouldn't do while taking this medicine, like drive a car?
• How long will I be on the drug?
• Can I stop taking the medication early if the symptoms disappear?
• Is there a generic equivalent you could prescribe?

For hospitalization or surgery, ask . . .

• What is the diagnosis? How serious is this?
• Why is it necessary for me to be hospitalized?
• What procedures or tests are you going to do?
• What are the risks of these procedures or tests?
• How much will they cost?
• Are the hospital and its providers part of the network?
• Are there alternatives to surgery or being hospitalized?
• Can any of this be done on an outpatient basis?
• Will you support me in getting a second opinion?
• How much will that cost?
• How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
• What is my recovery time likely to be?
• When can I work again?