The basics:
• Do I need a follow-up appointment?
• How long will my recovery take?
• How will this condition affect me in the future?
• Do I need to make any dietary or lifestyle changes?
• Is there somewhere I can find more information on this problem?
• Should I get a second opinion? Is there anyone you'd recommend I get a second opinion from?
• If my symptoms worsen, what can I do on my own?
• Could there be more than one condition causing my problem?
Medication:
• Why do I need this particular medication?
• Is there a generic equivalent to this drug?
• How long will I have to take this medication?
• What are the risks associated with this drug?
• Are there any side-effects if I forget to take it?
• Are there any alternatives?
• How do I take this medication properly?
• Is there anything I should avoid while taking this drug, such as certain foods or activities?
• How will this new drug react with my current medication?
• What should I do if the medication isn't working?
• Are there any non-drug measures that might work instead?
Tests and treatments:
• Can you explain this treatment or test?
• How urgent is this test or treatment?
• Will my condition change if I have to wait for test results or treatment?
• What happens if I don't have this test or treatment?
• How safe are these tests or treatments?
• Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the tests?
• Will I be called with the test results or will I have to call?
• When can I expect to start treatment?
• If I get this test or treatment somewhere else, what should I know?
• Will I have to cover the costs of any of these tests or treatments out of my own pocket?
Specialists and surgery:
• Why do I need to see a specialist?
• How soon should I see this specialist?
• Why have you referred me to this particular specialist?
• Is there a specialist who can perform the same surgery sooner?
• What are my options with surgery? Are there different procedures or just one?
• What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?
Web resources
• BC Health Guide
• Manitoba Health
• MedicineNet.com
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