Having worked in healthcare field as a Physician for more than 20 years, I see many patients still unquestionably accept any medical advice as the gospel truth, even in the western world. I suggest the following list of questions, to ask your doctor especially before an elective procedure on your body.
Questions about the diagnosis
- What is my diagnosis (What is wrong with me)?
- How serious is this condition?
Questions about prognosis
- What may happen to me if I leave this untreated?
Questions about treatment
- Can this be treated with medications?
- If procedure necessary, is it for diagnosis or treatment or for both?
- If procedure used for treatment, is it superior to treatment with medications alone?
Questions about the procedure
- Can you explain the procedure?
- What are the chances that the procedure will be successful in my case?
- What are the immediate and long term risks of the procedure?
- Will the benefits of the procedure be temporary or last long?
- Will this procedure make me live longer or make me feel better?
- If your close relative were in my position, would you recommend this for him/her?
- Could you recommend some reference information on this that I could read or watch?
It is good to get a second opinion before making major medical decisions. An ethical doctor would welcome it.
