Questions to ask and top tips

Checklist of questions to ask at your appointment

Tests, such as blood tests or scans

• What are the tests for?
• How and when will I get the results?
• Who do I contact if I don’t get the results?

Treatment

• Are there other ways to treat my condition?
• What do you recommend?
• Are there any side effects or risks?
• How long will I need treatment for?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• How effective is this treatment?
• What will happen if I don’t have any treatment?
• Is there anything I should stop or avoid doing?
• Is there anything I can do to help myself?

What next 

• What happens next?
• Do I need to come back and see you?
• Who do I contact if things get worse?
• Do you have any written information?
• Where can I go for more information?
• Is there a support group or any other source of help? 

Top tips

Before your appointment

• Write down your two or three most important questions.
• List or bring all your medicines and pills – including vitamins and supplements.
• Write down details of your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse.
• Ask your hospital or surgery for an interpreter or communication support if needed.
• Ask a friend or family member to come with you, if you like.

During your appointment

• Don't be afraid to ask if you don't understand. For example,'Can you say that again? I still don't understand.'?
• If you don't understand any words, ask for them to be written down and explained.
• Write things down, or ask a family member or friend to take notes.

Before you leave your appointment

Check that:

• you've covered everything on your list you understand, for example 'Can I just check I understood what you said?'
• you know what should happen next – and when. Write it down.

Ask:

• who to contact if you have any more problems or questions
• about support groups and where to go for reliable information, and
• for copies of letters written about you – you are entitled to see these.

After your appointment, don't forget the following

• Write down what you discussed and what happens next.
• Keep your notes.
• Book any tests that you can and put the dates in your diary.

Ask:

• 'what's happening if I'm not sent my appointment details,' and 'can I have the results of any tests?'
• If you don't get the results when you expect – ask for them.
• Ask what the results mean.