Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Prepare for your office visit by defining your goals, organizing your symptoms and making a list of questions.

Diagnosis

• What is wrong?     
• What causes it?     
• How serious is it?     
• Am I contagious?    
• How will it affect me in the future? 

Doctor's Orders

• What activities do I need to avoid?
• Do I need a follow-up visit? 
• When should I call if I’m not better?
• Should I watch for anything special?

Medicine

• Can you give me information about the medicine?
• What is the medicine for?
• How should I take it and for how long?
• What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?
• Is this medication safe to take with other medicine or dietary supplements?
• What food, drink or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Tests

• Why do I need this test?
• What can I expect during the test?
• How reliable is the test?
• What if I don’t have the test?
• How much will the test cost? Will insurance cover it?
• How and when will I get the results?

Read additional Appointment Tips