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{Ask Me 3} Do you know the right questions to ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist? {Ask Here PA} |
Questions that could save you time and money Health care questions Research has shown that patients who have good relationships with their doctors tend to be more satisfied with their care and to have better results. Asking questions is the single most important way you can stay an active partner in improving your health care. Below are examples of the types of questions to ask your doctor. What is my risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, etc.? Can you draw me a picture or show me what's wrong? What causes this type of problem? Is this serious? Can I give this illness to someone else, and if so, how and for how long? Are there any activities or foods I should avoid until I'm better? When can I return to school or work? How can I prevent this from happening again? Where should I look for more information on this condition? How is the test done? Is this test necessary? What kind of information will the test provide? Is this test the only way to find out that information? What are the risks and benefits associated with this test? How accurate is the test? How do I need to prepare for the test? Will the test be uncomfortable? How long will it take to get the results and how will I get them? Whats the next step after the test? When should I feel better and when should I call if I am not feeling better? What's wrong with me? Prescription questions Prescription drugs can be a costly medical expense. Below are a number of questions to ask your provider that could help you save on the cost of your prescription medications. Depending on the prescription drugs you are taking, your savings could be significantly lower by choosing generic drugs. Is this drug covered by my insurance? What is this medication for and how does it work? What will happen if I don't take it? What are the side effects? Am I currently taking anything else for the same problem? How much of the medicine should I take, when should I take it and for how long? What are the possible side effects and what should I do if they occur? What foods, beverages, other prescriptions and nonprescription medications should I avoid? What if I accidentally miss a dose? If I don't notice any improvement, how long should I wait before calling you? Surgery questions No surgery is risk free. Patients who are informed about their procedure can better work with their doctors to make the right decisions. The questions listed below will help you be informed and help you make the best decision. Your doctor and surgeon should welcome questions. Make sure you understand the answers. Patients who are will informed about their treatment tend to be more satisfied with the results of their treatment. What operation are you recommending? Why do I need the operation? Are there alternatives to surgery? What are the benefits and risks of having surgery? How successful will these treatments be? What if I dont have this operation? Where can I get a second opinion? What has been your experience in doing the operation? Where will the operation be done? What other locations can I have the surgery performed? What kind of anesthesia will I need? What are the risks? What will happen before the surgery? How long will it take me to recover? How much improvement can I expect from the surgery? Will more surgery be necessary? How much will the operation cost? If surgery is chosen, will you contact my family doctor? Will he or she be involved in my hospital stay? In what way? How long will I stay in the hospital? How much pain will there be? Will I receive medication for it? What kind of pain is normal to expect? How long will this pain last? How long do I have to stay in bed? When do I start physical therapy? Will I need home or outpatient therapy? Will in-hospital rehabilitation be covered? Are physical therapy, occupational therapy and home health care covered by insurance? For how long? (You may need to ask your insurance company.) Will I need to arrange for some assistance at home? If so, for how long? Is it covered by my insurance? (Again, you may need to ask your insurance company.) Will I need any special equipment for my home? Will I need to make any modifications to my home? What medications will I need at home, and how long will I need to take them? What limits will there be on my activities - driving, using the toilet, climbing stairs, bending, eating, having sex? How often will I have follow-up visits with you? Are they covered by insurance? Are they included in the cost of surgery? |
