5 Questions for your doctor can result in better medical care and a more team-approach to health and wellness. Be sure to ask these 5 questions at your next visit.
Choosing Wisely is a campaign with the mission to promote conversations between clinicians and their patients in order to promote care that is evidence based, truly necessary, and free from harm.
The ownership falls on the doctor as well as the patient to work together as a team.
Patients can help themselves by asking the right questions.
1. Do I really need this test or procedure?
Medical tests help you and your doctor determine how to treat a problem. It is important to make sure the tests you are getting actually guide treatment and decision making.
2. What are the risks?
Potential follow up questions related to risks: Are there side effects possible? What are the chances the results aren’t accurate? Could that lead to more testing or additional procedures?
3. Are there simpler or safer options?
Perhaps the fix could be simpler. Have you ever seen a script for diet and exercise? Most likely not. Many doctors run into patients unwilling to make those changes so they wrongfully assume others won’t either.
4. What happens if I don't do anything?
It may be possible that your problem gets better on its own. Ask your doctor the likelihood it could get better or worsen if you waited to get test or treatment?
5. How much does it cost?
Perhaps your doctor doesn’t know exactly but they should be able to connect you with someone that can answer this question. Ask your doctor if there are less expensive tests, treatments, and procedures that could yield the same results .
These ‘5 questions for your doctor’ helps develop a better plan as a team. In all likelihood, most clinicians will appreciate the dialog and your investment in your health!
