When is the last time you visited your doctor? What medical questions did you have answered? Chances are, you were experiencing symptoms of an illness or had a specific reason for the visit (stomach pains, cold, or flu). Most of the time, it takes getting sick for us to go to the doctor. Unfortunately, patients forgo their regular doctor’s visit because they already saw them when they were previously ill.
Without a regular check-up, you could miss out on understanding where your health truly stands. Doctors often wish patients would be more proactive when they visit by asking questions during the visit. Whether you are going to the doctor for a check-up or prescription, here are seven questions you should be asking:
Medical Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Question 1: What Preventative Care Should I Be Doing?
Preventative care is underrated among Americans. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, an independent panel of medical experts, performs extensive research determining which preventive measures are most relevant and potentially lifesaving across specific age groups and genders. You should discuss with your healthcare provider which preventive care measures you should be doing, including breast cancer screening, vaccinations, and vitamin regimens. By being proactive with your health, you can eliminate chances of contracting diseases and other life-altering medical conditions.
Question 2: Should I Search WebMD For My Symptoms?
It’s not uncommon for someone to look online for a diagnosis of their symptoms. However, running a quick Google search for what you are experiencing could lead you down the wrong path. You may even get overly stressed thinking you have an illness or disease that you don’t in fact have. Unfortunately, it’s hard knowing which sources to trust on the Internet. This information may not stop you from hitting enter on your keyboard next time you are sick, but remember that talking with a doctor who understands your health history is crucial. Without an expert’s opinion and capabilities, you will never know your actual sickness.
Question 3: What Role Does My Family’s History Play in My Health?
When visiting with your physician, they’ll ask about your family’s health history. Discussing your family history is very important to determining a health diagnosis. Knowing which medical conditions have affected others in your family can help your doctor better monitor your health. It can also help narrow down research when you visit experiencing specific symptoms. If your relatives have heart disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, or other rare illnesses, you are at a higher risk. Make sure that as you visit with your doctor, they understand your family’s entire bill of health. Doing so will put you at better odds of catching symptoms early.
Question 4: What Will This Prescription Medication Do for Me?
Sometimes doctors will prescribe medication without fully explaining why the patient needs it. Or a patient will act like they understand the medicine in fear of judgment. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor why they are prescribing a specific medication. They may not fully explain why you need it, or you may not completely understand what the medication does. However, you can also learn the benefits and risks of your medicines so that you can decide if it is the right option for you. Remember that you know your body best and if you notice the medication isn’t working as it should, speak up.
Question 5: Are My Sleeping Habits Normal?
One area that patients overlook and that doctors may forget to ask about is sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep can dramatically affect your physical, emotional, and mental health. However, many people don’t mention it during a doctor’s visit. If you are experiencing insomnia or need excessive amounts of sleep every night, tell your medical provider. Unhealthy sleeping patterns could lead to increased long-term risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, and shorter-term dangers like the common cold. Tell your doctor if you are having problems and start the discussion.
Question 6: Do I Need a Specialist’s Opinion?
Family physicians don’t always have the skillset needed to treat certain conditions. You deserve a doctor who has experience handling your health. Ask your doctor how many people they have treated with your circumstances and whether you need to see someone else. Experience can make all the difference in medical treatment and your doctor will explain whether they are qualified or not. Together, you can talk it out and come to an understanding of what is best for you.
Question 7: I Feel Like _____, Why Do You Think It’s This?
Patients often walk away from a doctor’s visit, not feeling heard. It helps if you talk with your doctor discussing your frustrations so they can help you feel understood. You are the expert when it comes to your body. Your doctor is an expert when it comes to health. Together, you can better understand what is going on and feel comfortable with the resolution.
Medical Questions Conclusion
Being armed with questions before going to the doctor can help you get the visit you need. If you have questions or need help, contact Tanner Clinic. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our doctors online.
