Here
we provide a checklist of questions you may refer to when it's time
to talk with your doctor or nurse.
Of course, you need not ask all
these questions at one time - and, yes, we think it's good practice
to be respectful of
your doctor's time. That said, be aware that your doctor cannot
meet your medical needs if you don't honestly describe how you are
feeling and communicate your treatment goals and concerns.
A good doctor-patient relationship requires honesty on your part, and
diplomacy.
Diplomacy:
"Is this a good time to ask questions, doctor?"
But
whatever the answer, find a way to ASK YOUR QUESTIONS.
Prepare and provide the questions in
writing so your doctor can answer when time allows.
Honesty:
Let your doctor decide if a symptom or change is important or not -
communicate honestly with your doctor, the nursing staff, your loved ones, or
your support friends.
How to communicate?
There is no one correct way to
communicate. If you are uncomfortable speaking, bring someone along
who is not. Write your questions down, or have someone do this for
you ... or print out the list that follows and underline what you
want to ask.
The goal:
Shared decision making. Understanding your options and agreeing on a
plan.
Also see Preparing
for Doctor Visits - A Checklist
Brochures and forms you can print
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Checklist for Doctor Visits & Resources PAL
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Printable Treatment Appointment Diary PAL
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Preparing for Doctor Visits PDF
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Is a clinical
trial
appropriate for me? PDF
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Treatment History Diary
PDF
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What prescriptions do I need & how should they be taken
and stored?
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What is the treatment likely to cost?
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Prior to treatment or tests: Ask the staff to verify that your doctors, the
healthcare facility , and the type of treatment or test you are receiving are
all covered in your insurance plan, and check if the tests and
treatments require pre-authorization.
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Can you refer me to a social worker who specializes in helping
with finances and insurance matters?
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What is the
best way and time to communicate with you about my concerns (phone?
fax? email?)
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What materials or resources can you provide to help me to
become informed about the disease?
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What resources are available to me to help me cope with the
anxiety I feel?
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What other resources are available to me: nutrition? psychosocial?
sexual?
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What is my diagnosis? And can you please provide me a copy of
the pathology report.
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How widespread is the disease?
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Does the disease require prompt treatment and why?
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Can the disease be cured?
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What are the symptoms of the disease, and which indicate a
need for treatment?
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What are my treatment choices? What are the pros and
cons of each?
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Are new treatments under study?
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Also see Questions to ask the research team
ASCO.org
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Which treatment do you recommend? Why?
The rationale is important for the patient to
understand, particularly when there is a difference of opinion
among experts about the best approach to take.
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What is the goal of this treatment? Cure? Management?
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What are the chances that the treatment will be successful?
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How long will treatment last?
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How easy is it to administer, and will it disrupt my normal
life? |
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How durable is the response likely to be?
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Does it offer a chance for cure?
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Does this treatment limit the use of treatments I may
need later on? |
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What toxicity and/or risks are associated with it?
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Will I be able to work during treatment?
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Is this a good time to consider harvesting of stem
cells? Before or after this treatment?
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What tests will be used to measure or gauge response to
treatment? |
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What signs will indicate that the therapy is starting to work
or that it is not working? |
NOTE: Prior to treatment, verify that your doctors, the
healthcare facility , and treatments you will receive are
all covered by your insurance plan.
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What side effects should I expect? And what side effects should I report to you?
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Concerning any preexisting conditions: How will you
adjust treatment and monitor me given these circumstances.
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What signs or
changes should I report immediately?
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How can I best contact you when this happens?
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How will I feel during therapy, and will it affect my normal
activities?
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What can I do to minimize risks during therapy?
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Will you prescribe medications to minimize side effects and
risks? Neupogen? Anti-nausea? etc.
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What side effects may I experience that are not dangerous?
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What foods, supplements, procedures, or medications should I avoid
during treatment?
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What tests will you order? What do they measure?
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Please provide copies of these tests.
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Ask the staff to verify that your doctors, the
healthcare facility , and the tests you will receive are all covered in your
insurance plan, and check if the tests require pre-authorization.
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How often should I receive these tests?
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What changes or symptoms may indicate the need for tests?
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What alternatives are there to CT scans for monitoring
disease?
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When is a bone marrow biopsy indicated? And what steps
can you take to minimize discomfort and anxiety associated with
this test?
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What test results indicate a need to initiate or change
treatment?
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