Received a New Medical Diagnosis? A Beginning List of Questions to Ask Your Care Provider

You can download the list of questions as a PDF to use as a communication tool with your provider with the link after this blog’s introduction.

Receiving a new medical diagnosis can feel overwhelming, with so many questions and decisions to navigate. Having a prepared list of questions to ask your care provider can help guide the conversation, ensuring you get the information you need to make informed decisions and feel more in control of your care.

Plus, it is your right to be fully informed about your diagnosis.

Please find a list below of some starting questions you can ask your care provider to help you feel more empowered in the decision making process.

Understanding the Diagnosis:

• What does this diagnosis mean?
• What tests or signs/symptoms have led to this diagnosis?
• Can I have any handouts or pamphlets to read more about this?
• How might this condition progress over time?
• What are the common symptoms and potential complications?
• Is this condition curable or manageable and how?

Treatment Options:

• What are my treatment options and what do you recommend?
• What are the potential side effects or risks of the treatments?
• Are there alternative or complementary therapies available?

Impact on Daily Life:

• How will this diagnosis affect my daily activities, work or lifestyle?
• What changes should I make to my diet or exercise or routine?

Monitoring and Follow-Up:

• What signs or symptoms should I monitor?
• How often should I schedule follow-ups or tests?
• Are there specific tests needed to track the progression of this condition?
• How do I ensure receiving these tests and procedures?
• Is there a staff member or nurse navigator that helps coordinate my appointments and procedures? If so, can I have the direct contact details?
• Can I have the direct contact details for all of the care providers that will be involved in my care?
• At what locations will appointments for my care be? Can I have the address for these?

Support and Resources:

• Are there educational materials or reliable websites you recommend?
• Can I have notes on this appointment and what you are telling me written down or emailed to me?
• Are there support groups or counselling services available for this condition?
• Can you connect me with other specialists or experts if needed?
• Does this clinic/hospital run any groups to support people with this diagnosis?
• Do you know of any support groups or charities that focus on supporting people with this diagnosis?
• Can I bring a family member or friend to future appointments?
• Can I give you my consent for a specified, trusted person to also receive medical information regarding how I am doing and my care?

Medications:

• Do I need medication, and how should I take it?
• Are there interactions with other medications or supplements I use?
• What should I do if I miss a dose or experience side effects?
• Please also see previous blog for list of questions to ask about considering a new medication

Personalised Considerations:

• How does this diagnosis interact with my existing health conditions?
• Are there genetic or hereditary aspects I should know about?
• What should my family or caregivers understand about this diagnosis?

Next Steps:

• What is the most important thing I should do right now?
• What is the next step or next appointment that I need?
• Can you provide a written summary of this diagnosis and treatment plan?
• When should I contact you if I have additional questions?

These questions can help you feel empowered and informed, ensuring you make the best decisions for your care.

Thanks for reading,

Laura Hellfeld

RN, MSN, PHN, CNL

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