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When confronted with medical decisions, you
must weigh the benefits and effectiveness of treatments against risks and
possible side effects.
The following questions and answers will allow
you to make informed health care decisions for yourself or for your family
member or friend. You have the right and the responsibility to obtain the
following information.
Questions to ask regarding tests or treatments - including surgery, therapy,
medication:
1.
What are the reasons for the tests and/or treatments? What are the risks
and benefits of the tests and/or treatments?
2.
What are the alternatives to the tests and/or treatments? What are the
risks and benefits of the alternatives?
3. What are possible side effects of
medications prescribed including interactions with other medications?
ASK for a diagnosis. Make sure you
understand any unfamiliar terms in order to understand what the care
provider has told you. Restating in your own words what you have been told
will help to clear up any confusion or misunderstandings. |
