Hearing a new diagnosis for the first time can catch you
What is the name of the disease or condition?
Have your provider write down your diagnosis. You’ll want them to be specific on the disease or condition they have diagnosed. This will help you understand it better, and allow you to research and discuss the diagnosis going forward. Remember, there are many layers in almost any diagnosis and you’ll need to know what is specific to you.
What is the initial treatment plan?
Some treatment plans can include something as simple as lifestyle changes or medication. Others can include testing, treatments, or even surgery. If the diagnosis is not life-threatening and does not need treatment to begin right away, take the time to research your options, including a second opinion.
If a new medication is part of the plan, ask about side effects or interactions with any current medications. Make certain you understand any instructions for taking the medications, and if there are concerns if you were to miss a dose.
Who will be involved with my care?
Most often your primary care provider will manage your care, but at times you may be referred to a specialist. Clarify who will be the point person to manage your care and all those involved in your care team. This could include doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, technicians, and therapists. It can also include specialists, oncologists, and surgeons. Know who you should reach out if you have questions, concerns, or to clarify treatment plans.
What resources do I have?
You’ll probably have more questions after you leave your appointment. Find out who you can reach out to via phone or email at your provider’s office. There may be support groups that you can reach out to. When researching online, please proceed with caution. There are many websites with misleading information – ask your provider which websites would be the best resource for your diagosis.
When do I follow up next?
Before you leave your appointment, find out the next time you need to follow-up. Weeks? Three months? Six months? Yearly? As needed? Also, find out who to contact with concerns and what signs/symptoms warrant an immediate call to your provider. Know when you should go directly to the nearest hospital.
Take control of your own health and become an expert on your own diagnosis as you stay on top of your care. Knowledge is power, and when given a new diagnosis being to build your knowledge base and navigate your health journey.
In-Person or Virtual Visit?
There are some concerns that just warrant an office visit. But how can you know when you need to go into the office? Thankfully, you don’t need to stress over this.
In the new world of COVID-19, calls into the office are triaged a bit differently than in the past. While each office has its own protocol, this should give you a general idea of what to expect when you call:
✔️ Your call will be triaged either by a registered nurse or a medical assistant.
✔️ They will be asking you questions regarding your concerns.
✔️ If your concerns warrant an in-person visit, you will be scheduled for an office visit.
✔️ Office visits will look a little different, so expect a list of instructions on how your arrival will look different than in the past.
✔️ No need for an in-person visit? You might still need to speak with your provider and could be offered a telehealth visit.
✔️ Always reach out to the office anytime you have a concern.
✔️ The next steps are to prepare for your office visit or telehealth visit.
Want an insider guide to everything you need to know about a telehealth visit? Click here to receive your free infographic featuring tested tips from the experts: https://mailchi.mp/c7af04a0b646/telehealth
Definitely important questions to ask, it’s so important to stay informed. Thanks for sharing 🙂
It is so important to ask lots of questions of your providers.
A family member recently received a diagnosis that wasn’t very clear- thank you for this sound advice as we maneuver through these times.
Hope I don’t need these any time soon, but great info!
Very nice. You know they seem like common sense questions but it’s always amazing to me how common sense goes out the window when one is sitting in a doctors office. LOL I also think its of benefit to write the questions down before you go
These are all important things to know. Thank You
So important to ask the right questions so you don’t leave with more! Great tips and advice!
Such good advice! I always think of more questions once I leave.
These are great questions to ask and be prepared for.
This is great advice to help you organize your thoughts after a new diagnosis. So often, it’s an emotional time, too. Thank you for providing this resource so we can be advocates for our own care.
I know my mother in law would freeze and forget to ask questions at the Dr. This is great to print out and bring along with you to help with keeping you on track! Thanks!
Great tips thank you for sharing. It is true doctors are often not very forth coming of information terms that we all can understand.
Very informative & helpful post. Thanks for sharing
When I got a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, I was floored. Fortunately, my providers gave me all this information and more. Resources, especially financial, are huge!
Great advice. Thank you.
This is why it is so important to have someone go with you. It can be so overwhelming.
Agreed – second set of ears is always important. It’s always helpful to have someone take notes!
Good questions to work through
Very useful information, especially for doctor visits with my elderly Dad–very helpful to know what to ask the Doctor. Thank you!
This is great! Going to the dr is so overwhelming and I always come home not knowing what air probably should. This is super helpful!
Taking control of your own health is so important. Several years ago, I realized that I couldn’t rely on the doctor’s office for many reasons (previously they were great at reminders and suggesting testing).
So important to go to any medical appointment armed with the right information and questions.
This is a great “checklist”! I tend to forget what the doctor tells me, so having this list with me and writing it all down will be very helpful!
I love this. A new diagnosis can be overwhelming, so having these questions will be crucial to proper care. Thanks!
These are great things for anyone to think about! Yes, I agree to always bring someone else along, as well as bring along a pen and paper to write things down, or even to write questions down before the appointment, so the patient remembers their questions.
This is a timely article indeed! Many people just don’t know what questions to ask and often times, physicians give them the bare minimal of info. Keep up the good work!
Great questions that are all important. So many people leave there appointment with so many unanswered questions.
Such simple questions but so important
Great questions to ask! I definitely like being in charge of my own health.
Great questions. It’s important for people to know what is going on with their bodies
Great tips for us to remember when we are stressed with a new illness or disease.