Imagine this: You take the proactive step to schedule your yearly physical, get your fasting lab work done ahead of time, and feel proud of yourself and confident in your health. You finish the physical exam, and your doctor tells you your cholesterol is too high. He writes you a prescription (Lipitor? My grandma takes that!) and recommends a low-cholesterol diet (Wait…no more bacon?). You leave the office, head to the pharmacy, and call a friend who asks you a bunch of questions about your diagnosis you can’t answer. 

It’s not just you. Research has consistently found that patients often forget information given to them by their physicians. Studies show we can immediately forget 40% to 80% of the medical information and recommendations we receive. Of the information we do remember, only about half of it is typically recalled correctly.  

This is particularly dangerous when you receive a serious diagnosis. In that moment of shock, it’s easy to lose focus, stop listening, and leave with a mountain of unanswered questions at a time when you most need answers.  

To make matters worse, most medical practices are on a tight schedule. Economics require that your medical provider see a certain number of patients in a day. That means they don’t have the luxury of checking to make sure you have understood and will retain all the information presented during an office visit.  

So, it’s up to you to get the information you need, and we have your back. The most important thing to remember is that asking questions about your health is not impolite. It’s critical. Save this email. Here are some questions and concepts to help you get the most out of your next routine medical appointments.

Basic Questions: 

1. Can you explain what is happening in my body in simple terms? Understanding your condition fully will help you retain the information and motivate you to manage it effectively.  
2. Is this condition temporary or chronic? Understanding the nature of your condition can help set realistic expectations. Are you trying to manage a condition or cure it? 
3. What are all the treatment options available? Sometimes, there might be multiple ways to address a condition, including newer or less conventional treatments. 
4. What are the potential side effects of the prescribed medication or treatment? Are there any signs or symptoms that should prompt me to contact you? This is a very important, but often overlooked question. For example, some statins, prescribed for high cholesterol, may cause joint or muscle pain in some people. This can, in some cases, lead to a serious medical condition. Without this information, most people will assume that muscle or joint pain is due to a vigorous workout or over-exertion and won’t know its true cause until they become much more debilitated. It all could be avoided with good information and a different statin. 
5. Is there a generic version of the medication you’re prescribing? Generic medications can be just as effective as brand-name ones and can save you money. 
6. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to improve my condition or overall health? Often, adjustments in diet, exercise, or habits can significantly impact your health but you’ll need specifics and don’t be afraid to ask for them. Your provider should be able to give you or direct you to the resources you need. 
7. What is the purpose of this test or treatment? Understanding why a test or treatment is necessary, or how a medication works, can help you grasp the bigger picture of your health. The big picture will also help you remember little details. 
8. What are the risks if I don’t proceed with the treatment? Sometimes understanding the consequences of inaction can be crucial in making a decision. 
9. What follow-up appointments or tests will I need and how often? Keeping track of necessary follow-ups ensures that your condition is monitored appropriately. 

For Surgery and Serious Conditions 

In addition to the questions listed above, there are additional steps to take in the face of a serious diagnosis and/or the decision to have surgery. 

1. Get a second opinion. This is your right and your responsibility. Most doctors know that patients who are educated are more likely to believe in the diagnosis and stick to a treatment plan. Also, if a surgeon has recommended surgery, follow up with a provider who is not a surgeon. It’s natural for a specialist to recommend what is most familiar. Sometimes there are equally effective non-surgical remedies.  
2. If you are having surgery, find out how often your surgeon has performed this particular surgery. Experience is critical. 
3. Find out what restrictions there will be as a result of your treatment or surgery. That way, you can make the necessary accommodations ahead of time. 
4. Find out what physical or occupational therapy you will need and find the best providers in advance. 
5. Ask about the next steps if the treatment doesn’t work. Understanding the full range of treatment options can give you a sense of what to expect in the future. 
6. Bring a friend or family member to your medical appointments or ask your provider if you can record them. There are a lot of emotions involved in being a patient and that makes it harder than usual to retain information. A friend or family member will be able to take better and more dispassionate notes while you focus on receiving the information. 
7. Research your condition. Additional resources can help you further understand your condition and stay informed. Instead of doing a Google search for information, where you’ll mostly find sponsored links and ads, log in to your Amaze app and use the research tools, found under the “Resources” tab, to find answers. Our search engine provides ad-free results from websites we have specifically selected and vetted, so you can trust the information you find.

The Bottom Line:  

Prepare for medical appointments by writing down any specific questions and concerns you have and use the questions above to handle any new information you receive from your medical provider. 

When you are dealing with health issues, there are no stupid questions. The more you know, the better off you’ll be.