Ask your Doctor

When it comes to your health, your doctor can provide you a wealth of information.

Your doctor is trained to properly diagnose your illness or injury and prescribe you the most appropriate and safest medication to treat it. Be sure to ask your doctor questions if you’re unsure of anything.

To make the most out of a visit with your doctor, prepare a list of health information about yourself, symptoms you are experiencing and questions you may have.

Ask important questions and take notes you can refer back to.

10 questions you can ask your doctor

1. Can you clarify the diagnosis of my illness or injury?
2. Am I contagious? If so, for how long will I be? Should I stay home from work or school and/or stay away from others?
3. What is the most cost-effective treatment you can recommend that will provide me with the best results?
4. What does this drug do and will it treat my condition or just manage the symptoms?
5. Considering my drug plan coverage, is there a lower cost generic drug you can prescribe that best treats my condition?
6. How long will it take for this drug to start working?
7. What are the risks and side effects of taking this drug?
8. If my symptoms worsen, what should I do? How soon should I contact you?
9. Are there alternative treatments or a lifestyle change that works just as well?
10. Can I take this drug if I’m pregnant, wanting to become pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

No one knows your health better than you do, so it’s important you take an active role in maintaining or improving it.

You and your doctor can work together to make sure you understand your diagnosis and what to do with the drugs prescribed to you.