Here’s the thing; your doctor isn’t a mind-reader. Asking questions that pop into your mind is a key to ensuring effective communication with your doctor. Without this, you won’t be getting detailed answers for your symptoms and diagnosis. If you don’t ask, the doctor may presume that the information is not needed. 

Instead of waiting for the doctor to raise a specific subject that they may be unaware of are essential to you, consider kick-starting the conversation. Here we discuss the top 10 most critical questions you should ask your doctor during your next visit:   

What Wellness Test Should I Have?

Primary care doctors don’t just focus on treating your illness, but they also help you walk down a healthier, much more active path. It helps reduce the chances of you developing health problems later on.

Based on your family history, medical history, and previous tests, your primary care doctor may recommend you to get the following tests:

⦁ Fasting blood sugar

⦁ Liver function 

⦁ Kidney function 

⦁ Cholesterol 

⦁ Blood pressure 

How Often Should I Schedule an Appointment?

It mostly depends on your current health, medical history, and lab tests. For instance, if you’re suffering from pre-diabetes, your doctor will often suggest getting your blood sugar tested. However, if your lab results are healthy, they may ask you to visit once or twice a year.

Thus, you must question your doctor the number of appointments you should schedule to ensure all your tests are up-to-date. 

What May Have Caused my Condition?

A diagnosis allows you to identify and understand your physical condition or disease. Understanding your medical condition, in turn, will enable you to make better decisions in the future about your treatment. 

For this reason, you must ask your doctor to tell you the name of the condition you may have. In addition, ask them how your condition will affect your life and how long it will last. Some medical issues can’t be cured; however, you can treat and manage them.

What are the Different Treatment Options?

Gone are the days when doctors chose the treatment option according to his choice. Now when it comes to choosing the best course of action, it’s a shared decision-making process.  It means the doctor will inform patients of the various available options alongside their pros and cons. Next, they sort out which treatment works best for the patient. 

To ensure this conversation happens, be sure to ask your doctor about available alternatives. 

What is the Expected Outcome?

You may think your life will go back to normal after surgery and treatment protocols. However, the fact is that only your doctor knows whether your treatment will lead to minor or huge improvements.

If you’re well aware of the expected outcomes that your doctor knows, you might change the decision you make. Thus, you must ask your doctor what type of symptomatic and medical outcomes you should expect. 

Are my Vaccinations and Screenings Up-to-Date?

Vaccines are just as necessary for adults as they are for children. In addition, vaccines help lower the chances of you suffering from certain diseases.

Regular vaccinations and screenings are a perfect way to ensure your health. Regardless of your gender, question your doctor whether you should get a colonoscopy. In addition to this, consider regularly checking your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

What is a Healthy Weight for me? How Can I Achieve that?

With more than 40% of the U.S. adult nation obese or overweight, weight is a priority for most residents. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what a healthy weight is, whereas others have unrealistic goals.   

Asking your doctor what they believe is a healthy weight alongside proven tips on achieving that weight is the perfect way to reach your health goals. 

How do I Stay in Shape?

Make your weight and health goals are realistic. Request your doctor to share what is the ideal exercise and diet for your body. This way, you can get tangible advice on how you can integrate nutrition and fitness into your day-to-day schedule. 

Should I be Taking any Supplements? 

Supplements are always secondary to nutrient-dense foods. However, that does not mean you can’t take supplements to fill in nutrients you may miss out on. If you’ve been seeing the same caretaker for a long time, they can easily recommend supplements based on your medical history.

At the same time, it’s always a good idea to tell your doctors any symptoms you’ve been experiencing. It’s likely your doctor will outline a healthy diet and return if the symptoms are persistent. Consider crafting a food journal to share with your doctor during your next visit. This way, you’ll be recommended the supplements that best meet your needs.

Is the Internet a Reliable Source For Diagnosis?

More often than not, we turn to ‘Dr. Google’ to explain our symptoms and offer a diagnosis. Unfortunately, Google is not a reliable replacement for your doctors. However, there are some reputable resources that you can read through to get an idea of what you may be experiencing. 

Here are some general guidelines that you should follow when seeking medical advice online:

⦁ Read through sites from government organizations since these typically boast only accurate information

⦁ Search for official sites from national organizations 

⦁ Avoid examining any site that claims to offer an ‘instant cure’ or follow ‘only this rule’ to ensure excellent health 

⦁ Make use of common sense and ask yourself, ‘what are the author’s credentials?’ and ‘Does the site and content look official and professional?’ Keep in mind that there is a possibility that an author may exaggerate their qualifications, skills, and experience 

To Sum it Up

Make sure you connect with the right doctor that answers all your questions and concerns. Keep in mind that a good doctor won’t become defensive if you question options. Instead, they will answer your questions in the best way possible to ensure perfect health. Connect with a doctor who helps you make the right decision and who you can trust. 

Ocana Medical Care, located in Tampa, FL, aims to bring you as much information as possible to keep you healthy. We’re in this together. #ocanacares