Be prepared to speak with your doctor by writing your questions down and bringing the list with you to your appointment.  Use the lists below as a guide. 

About Treatment Options:

• What is the recommended treatment? Are there other choices?
• What are the chances the treatment will work?
• What are the expected results? When will I see them? 
• What are the risks?  
• What are the benefits?   
• Are there any side effects? What can be done about them?   
• Is the treatment painful? How can the pain be controlled? 
• What happens if I choose to have no treatment at all?   
• How much does the treatment cost? Will my health insurance pay for it? 

About Prescription Medications:

• What is the name of the medication you have prescribed for me and what is it supposed to do?
• When and for how long should I take the medication? Can I get these directions in writing?
• What should I do if I miss taking this medication?
• How long will I have to take this medication? When can I stop taking it?
• Are there foods, drinks (especially alcohol), other medications, or activities I should avoid while taking this medication?
• Are there common side effects to this medication? What should I do if they occur?
• Will this medication interact with other medications I am currently taking? If so, what can I do to lessen any negative effects?
• How can I learn more about this medication?

About Surgical Procedures:

• Do I really need this surgery? Is there some other way to treat my condition?
• What will happen if I wait until later to have surgery? Or never have it at all?
• How often does this type of surgery help my problem? How much does it help it?
• Where will the surgery be performed?
• Which surgeon will be operating on me?
• What kind of experience does s/he have with this kind of procedure?
• What complications or side effects might I have?
• What kind of pain might I have? How will it be treated?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• Will I need help at home? What kind of help and for how long?
• How much does the surgery cost? Will my health insurance pay for it?

Source: Agency for Quality Healthcare