7 Questions Your Doctor Wants You to Ask

As much as we want them to be, doctors are not psychic. We, as patients, need to play our part to make appointments as productive as possible. This means asking more in-depth questions to take control of our health. When a doctor can see the whole picture, they can prescribe the proper treatment and get you feeling better faster. This is why open and honest conversations with trusted medical professionals are essential to our well-being. Here are seven questions you should ask during your next visit.

How Can I Improve My Nutrition?

One of the best ways to boost your overall well-being is by practicing healthy eating habits, so it’s a great topic to discuss with your doctor. But talking about nutrition involves much more than fruits and vegetables, according to family physician Dr. Ethan Lazarus. He explains, “The first step should be to figure out your eating patterns, eating triggers, and why you’re eating in a certain way.” It’s not only what you eat but how you eat. These are excellent talking points to share with your doctor to get you on the right track. They might give you a customized nutrition plan or refer you to a nutritionist for a more in-depth regimen.

Do I Need to Take Any Vitamins or Supplements?

You should always ask your doctor before starting new vitamins or dietary supplements. “Most people don’t need mega-doses of vitamins,” explains primary care physician Dr. Lyn Dea. “And dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so you don’t know if they really work, could have unhealthy side effects, or might interfere with medicine you’re taking.” Your doctor will advise you about what multivitamins are best for you and if you need blood work to discover possible nutrient deficiencies. They can also inform you if any potential supplements have adverse interactions with any medications or other vitamins you may be taking. 

How Much Physical Activity Do I Need?

When it comes to exercise, everyone knows they need to be doing it, but many don’t have the guidance to address their specific needs. “When we’re talking about it in terms of health status, you’ll often hear people say things like we want you to have moderate or vigorous physical activity,” says Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, associate professor of medicine and pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. “And those things are a little bit confusing to people. What is moderate and what is vigorous?” Ask your doctor to give you specific exercise benchmarks, outlining each activity in accordance with your age, current health status, and limitations. It can significantly improve your overall health.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Sometimes, patients find themselves in a situation where they disagree with a treatment plan presented by their doctor. “If a patient has reservations about what the physician is recommending, the patient should ask for alternatives,” says Dr. Kurt Kroenke, professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. Whether it’s a decision about medication, surgery, talk therapy, or even lifestyle changes, the treatment plan must fit into your lifestyle and financial situation.

What Are the Side Effects?

According to the American Medical Association, one of the most common reasons patients don’t take their medication is for fear of adverse side effects. Asking your doctor about common side effects can help ease your mind and, hopefully, encourage you to take your medicine. If you aren’t comfortable taking it, be honest with your doctor. They might be able to prescribe a different medication or devise a different treatment plan. Knowing the side effects also helps prepare for what’s next, leaving you feeling more confident and in control of your health.

Do I Need to Get a Second Opinion?

While it might feel awkward to ask this question, your doctor will be glad you did. “A second opinion is most useful when there is not a perfect answer, and you want more input,” says orthopedic/spine surgeon Dr. Jonathan Grauer. If you want a second opinion, ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist for more in-depth advice about your condition. Cardiologist Dr. Alexandra Lansky also points out that medicine is constantly evolving. “Another issue is that medicine is changing all the time and, depending on where a patient sought their first diagnosis, they can miss out on new therapies that are available,” she says.

Am I at Risk for Any Future Health Problems?

After addressing your current needs, ask your doctor if there is anything you can do to prevent health problems in the future. This is an excellent time to discuss common risks in your age group and how your family history might impact future health problems. When it comes to mitigating risks related to genetics, Dr. Dea says, “Tell your provider about your family’s medical history, ask how this history may affect you, and what you can do to stay as healthy as possible. Your doctor may recommend screenings or lifestyle changes to lower your risks and keep you well.”

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