Practical Questions for Patients to Ask During a Doctor’s Visit

As a medical writer, I’m constantly asking and answering questions. Inquiries such as “how does this device work?” or “what does this therapy treat?” come to mind easily. But it wasn’t always this way. Before my freelance writing career, I was much like any average person who goes to the doctor. I would listen, ask a couple of questions, and then walk out and inevitably think of a dozen things I should have asked about but didn’t.

But years of researching skills have now taught me to be thorough whenever I see a medical provider. So, here’s a list of practical questions to take with you the next time you see a medical professional. Print these out and make notes as the provider is talking. You will probably only end up asking a few of these questions, as medical providers will naturally review many of these points during the appointment. Some of these may not even apply. The point is to make sure you are comfortable with the knowledge you have.

If you are unsure about anything at all—don’t hesitate to ask for clarification! Just because the physician answered a question doesn’t mean that answer was clear to you. That’s okay! Medical professionals expect you to have follow up questions. This list is simply a reference for where to start.

Be well and stay safe!

Questions Before Testing:

• What is this test for? What does it detect?
• How soon do I get results?
• What are the possible outcomes? What would the results tell you?

Questions After Testing:

• What are the results?
• Does this tell you what the problem is?
• Will I need further testing?
• When will any further testing results come in?

Questions About Your Diagnosis:

• Can you explain further what you mean by [confusing part of diagnosis]?
• How serious is this diagnosis?

*If there are multiple diagnoses*

• Did one lead to the other?
• Will resolving one resolve the other?
• What do we treat first?
• Can or should we treat them together?

Questions About Treatment:

• What is the treatment plan you recommend for my particular issue?
• What are other available treatments for my diagnosis?
• What is the success rate of the treatment you are suggesting?
• What is the timeline for treatment and recovery?
• Will I need to continue treatment for the rest of my life?

Questions About Medications:

• What medication is recommended for this?
• Is there a generic or can you check what is allowed with my insurance?
• How will this medication affect any other issues I have? (e.g. heartburn, diabetes, etc.)
• How often will I need to take it?
• How is dosage determined?
• What are the major side effects?
• What should I avoid doing while taking the medication?
• How will I be taking the medication? (e.g. pill, liquid)
• Do I need to take it with food or at certain times of day?
• Do you know how much it costs?
• Do you have any in-office samples or a discount card with a free trial?

Questions About Procedures:

• Where will the procedure take place?
• Who will be performing the procedure?
• What happens during the procedure?
• What will the recovery be like? How long? What extra care is involved?
• How quickly do you recommend I receive this procedure?
• How soon can you perform this procedure?
• Will this procedure solve the problem I’m having? If not, what else will be required?
• Can you explain the costs of this procedure? (i.e. who I’m paying and how much)
• Can you give me a quote based on my insurance information?
• Can you get me the codes you would bill for this procedure so I can check with my insurance?
• Can you give me a quote if I choose to be a cash-pay patient?

Questions Before Leaving:

• Do I need to follow up with you? How soon?
• Should I follow up with another specialist who can help with this issue? Whom do you recommend?
• How will I receive any updates or additional test results?
• Is it possible I would get a different diagnosis if I sought out a second doctor’s opinion?
• Is there anything additional you can provide or would recommend to help me deal with this issue for the time being?