You can prepare by writing down all the questions you have for the doctor in advance and bring a pen and paper to jot down answers and take notes. Here are some questions you might want to ask:
What do think might be wrong with me? How do you know?- What are the common causes of this problem?
- Will I need any tests?
- Which tests might I need?
- What does each test involve?
- How do I prepare for each test?
- Will my insurance pay for the tests?
- What are my treatment choices?
- What are the benefits and risks of each treatment?
- What are the side effects?
- How are the likely outcomes of each treatment?
- Which treatment is the most common for my condition?
- What would be the “next steps” if treatment fails?
- What kind of medication(s) must I take? For how long?
- What does the drug do? Will there be any side effects?
- What should I do if I have side effects?
- Can I take a generic version of the drug?
- Will the medicine interact with any I am already taking?
- Should I avoid any kind of food or activity while taking this medicine?
- Will I need to see a specialist?
- Should I get a second opinion?
- Do I need a follow-up visit?