Questions You Must Ask Your Doctor (page 2 of 2)

What Are My Choices?

III. Tests

The doctor often asks for some blood, urine, EKG, and radiology tests in our new world of medicine. These usually are routine, and together they form a picture. But, WHERE you get a test can often determine the outcome. Usually, they want THEIR OWN radiologist (or someone with whom they have worked) to read the test. This is also true when a biopsy (small piece) of you is sent to a pathologist. These pieces of information, and who interprets them, are as important as your doctor. These are the INVISIBLE DOCTORS who will affect your care.

You want to ask:

1. Is it important for me to get the test at a specific lab or hospital?
2. Do you want the biopsy read by the pathologists at a certain hospital?
3. Is there a best place to get my stress test, mammogram, etc.?

Do not underestimate the importance of this step.

IV. Treatment

Your doctor is going to make a suggestion as to what and how you should do your treatment. BEFORE you do anything, understand the choices, and find the best choice for you. Sometimes when you have committed to one plan of action, it is difficult to turn the battleship around. It is important to lay out a plan.

UNDERSTAND what is going to happen. WAIT until you do to go further. Ask QUESTIONS.

You want to ask:

1. What are my choices?
2. Can you make an order of treatment choices (least difficult to most complex)?
3. What are the side effects of my choices?
4. What are the consequences of my choices?
5. Would you suggest (or do I want) a second opinion on the treatment (IF it is complicated)?
6. I want YOUR answer. What would you suggest if it was your mother? (Sometimes the answer that is right for you might be slightly different, based on your life and how you live it.)

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