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Questions To Ask Your Doctor

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.  

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