5 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

1-CAN YOU PLEASE REPEAT THAT? Ask your doctor to go over carefully any information you are unclear about. It is especially important that you understand the dosage of any new medications and possible side effects. 2-DO YOU HAVE PRINTED MATERIALS AVAILABLE? After you hear a diagnosis, it is not uncommon to shut down mentally. Extremely helpful are handouts about your condition. Ask for a list of online resources if your doctor does not have printed materials. 3-CAN I HAVE TWO MINUTES ALONE WITH YOU? If other people are in the room, you may be less likely to talk about tough topics. Don't hesitate to ask for privacy. Your doctor may be more comfortable, also. He may then ask more probing questions. 4-WHAT IF I CAN'T DO WHAT YOU'RE SUGGESTING? Tell your doctor if you can not do what was suggested, so he or she can make an alternative course of action. For example, your doctor instructed you to exercise five days each week and you know you can't. 5-DO YOU HAVE A PATIENT PORTAL FOR QUESTIONS? Find out if there is an online portal through which you can send questions securely if you are embarrassed to address certain concerns in person. This will allow you to ask and review the answers at home.