What Can I Ask?
Getting Information
Asking questions is key to good communication with your doctor. If you don’ t ask questions, he or she may assume you already know the answer or that you don’ t want more information. Be proactive. Don’ t wait for the doctor to raise a specific question or subject; he or she may not know it’ s important to you. Ask questions when you don’ t know the meaning of a word( like aneurysm, hypertension, or infarct) or when instructions aren’ t clear( for example, does taking medicine with food mean before, during, or after a meal?).
Learn About Medical Tests
Sometimes, doctors need to do blood tests, X-rays, or other procedures to find out what is wrong or to learn more about your medical condition. Some tests, such as Pap tests, mammograms, glaucoma tests, and screenings for prostate and colorectal cancer, are done regularly to check for hidden medical problems.
Before having a medical test, ask your doctor to explain why it is important, what it will show, and what it will cost.
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Other questions to ask about medical tests:
* Why is the test being done?
* What steps does the test involve? How should I prepare?
* Are there any dangers or side effects?
* How will I find out the results? How long will it take to get the results?
* What will we know after the test?
When the results are ready, make sure the doctor tells you what they are and explains what they mean. You may want to ask your doctor for a written copy of the test results. If a specialist does the test, ask to have the results sent to your primary doctor.
Can I Find Information About Medical Tests Online?
Yes— MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, provides links to many trustworthy resources. Visit www. medlineplus. gov / laboratorytests. html. You can get information on preparing for lab tests, explanations of different tests, and tips on interpreting lab test results.
12 Getting Information