Why My Health Counts My Health Counts TV & Media You & Your Health You & Your Doctor You & Quality Healthcare

What Questions to Ask &
How to Ask Them

Empowering yourself to be a better participant in your own healthcare means trying to make yourself the ideal patient.

 
Several characteristics make up a good patient. The first is coming in with good questions. The second is being a good listener. So in addition to giving the information to the doctor, also listening when you've asked a question and there's a response coming back to you.
 
Here are 3 basic questions to ask:
  1. What is my main problem?
  2. What do I need to do?
  3. Why is it important for me to do this?
   

To watch a clip about asking questions, click here.
   

Here are some types of questions based on different situations:
 

Understand your diagnosis:

  • What is wrong with me?

  • What do I need to do to get better?

  • Where can I get more information about my condition?

If you need a lab test, an x-ray, or another kind of test, ask your doctor:

  • How will the test be done?

  • How accurate will the results be?

  • What are the benefits and risks of the test?

  • When and how will I receive the results?

  • What should I do if I don't receive the results?

If you receive a prescription for a new medicine:

  • What is the name of the medicine?

  • What is it supposed to do?

  • When should I take the medicine, and how much should I take?

  • Does the medicine have any side effects?

If you need surgery:

  • What kind of operation do I need?

  • Why do I need an operation?

  • What are the benefits and risks of the operation?

  • How long will it take to recover?

  • What will happen if I don't have the operation?

  • Are there any other treatments I could have instead of an operation?

  • Where can I get a second opinion?

 

Doctor

 

Presented By:
Funded By:

Disclaimer: Information provided on the My Health Counts! pages of ThinkBright.org is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health care advice. Nothing contained on these pages is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified health care professional.