Compiling Questions

• Write down questions. It’s common to feel nervous and overwhelmed during a treatment visit. A list of questions can be a reminder of the issues you want to discuss with the healthcare provider. Jotting down the answers is helpful so you can refer to them later. Keeping a diary that contains a summary of each visit with the questions and answers is often helpful.
• Highlight questions that are of concern. If a healthcare provider’s visit is brief, these questions should be asked first.
• Keep a notepad nearby. Keep it in the car, next to the bed, on a desk or wherever is most convenient. It will come in handy when questions come to mind. These questions can be entered into a diary to be asked of your healthcare professional at the next opportunity.

Lab Tests and Procedure Questions

When a test or procedure is being arranged, the following questions should be asked:

• What is the purpose of this test?
• How and where is the test done?
• Will the test be painful? If so, is there any medicine that can be taken before or after the test to alleviate the pain?
• How soon will the test results be available? What implications do the test results have on my fertility?
• Will the healthcare provider’s office call with the results?
• How much does this test cost?
• Is the test covered by my private or provincial health plan?

Medicine Questions

Answers to these questions to understand the medications that are prescribed:

• How much does this medicine cost?
• Is the cost of the medicine covered by my health plan?
• What are the names and purposes of the medications?
• How much should be taken, when, and how?
• What side effects should I expect while taking this medicine?
• Are there restrictions on exercise, activities, foods or beverages while taking this medication?
• Can the healthcare provider give us written instructions for administering, handling and storing this medicine?