Topics: Wellness
We live in an age of information and complexity. No where is that more clear than when we visit the doctor (or other health care provider). Often we are confronted with information, recommendations, and the prospects of tests and procedures that we may not understand. And while it may seem to us as if our providers don’t understand it that we are overwhelmed, many of them do and want to help. That is why a number of specialty medical societies and Consumer Reports have joined forces at Choosingwisely.org to develop five questions for each area that patients should their doctor (other specialties will be adding questions in the fall).
But regardless of the specialty or the issue, here are five overarching questions from MarketWatch columnist Kristen Gerencher:
- What are my options?
- What happens if we wait or do nothing?
- What does this test measure?
- How will these test results change the course of my treatment?
- Who will contact me about the results and what happens if they are abnormal?
It may be hard to ask these questions. Many of us are not used to asking questions of our health care providers. But I know from personal experience, and the experience of family members, asking these questions can save time, money, and unneeded procedures, some of which may be very invasive. So, if you are seeing the doctor sometime soon, take these questions with you, find the questions for your areas, and practice asking. You will help yourself.