Are you visiting your health care clinician or pharmacist? It is important to be prepared. Create a personalized list of questions that you can take with you. Check the boxes that have questions you should ask.

Did your doctor give you a prescription?

What is the name of the medicine?
How do you spell the name?
Can I take a generic version of this medicine?
What is the medicine for?
How am I supposed to take it?
How much medicine should I take?
How long do I need to take the medicine?
When will the medicine start working?
Can I stop taking my medicine if I feel better?
Can I get a refill?
Are there any side effects?
When should I tell someone about a side effect?
Do I need to avoid any food, drinks, or activities?
Does this new prescription mean I should stop taking any other medicines I'm currently taking?
Can I take vitamins with my prescription?
What should I do if I forget to take my medicine?
What should I do if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose?
Is there any written information that I can take home with me?
Are there any tests I need to take while I'm on this medicine?

Are you scheduled for a medical test?
What is the test for?
How is the test done?
Will the test hurt?
How accurate is the test?
Is this test the only way to find out the information you’re looking for?
What are the benefits and risks of having this test?
What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
When will I get the results?
What will the results tell me?
What's the next step after the test?

Were you recently diagnosed with something?
What is my diagnosis?
What is the technical name of my disease or condition, and what does it mean in plain English?
What is my prognosis (outlook for the future)?
What changes will I need to make?
Is there a chance that someone else in my family might get the same condition?
Will I need special help at home for my condition?
What are my treatment options?
How soon do I need to make a decision about treatment?
What are the benefits and risks associated with my treatment options?
Is there a clinical trial (research study) that is right for me?
Will I need any additional tests?
What organizations and resources do you recommend for support and information?

Did your doctor recommend surgery?
Why do I need surgery?
What kind of surgery do I need?
What will you (or the surgeon) be doing?
What are the benefits and risks of having this surgery?
Have you (or the surgeon) done this surgery before?
How successful is this surgery?
Which hospital is best for this surgery?
Will I need anesthesia?
How long will the surgery take?
How long will it take me to recover?
How long will I be in the hospital?
What will happen after the surgery?
Will my health insurance cover the surgery?
Is there some other way to treat my condition?
What will happen if I wait or don't have this surgery?
Where can I get a second opinion?

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality