Questions to ask during your appointment
It’s okay to ask questions about your health and what might be wrong.
Don’t be afraid to tell your health worker if you don’t understand what they've said.
Don’t feel embarrassed about asking your health worker to explain things again.
You can ask your health worker to write down and explain any words you don’t know. And it may help to write things down or ask a family member or friend to take notes.
At any time during your appointment you could say things like:
- Can I check that I’ve understood what you said?
- So, what you’re saying is?
- Can you explain it again – I still don’t understand?
You may also want to ask
About any tests
If your health worker has recommended going for tests, you may want to ask:
- What are the tests for?
- What will the tests involve?
- How should I prepare for the tests?
- How and when will I find out the test results?
- Who do I contact if I don’t get the test results?
About any treatment
You may also have questions about what treatment, if any, is best for you, for example:
- How well does this treatment work?
- How long will I need treatment?
- How will I know if the treatment is working?
- Are there any side effects or risks?
- Are there other ways to treat my condition?
- Is there anything I can do to help myself?
What happens next
You may want to find out who to contact if you have further problems or questions, or if any support groups are available. You could ask:
- What happens next – do I come back and see you?
- Who do I contact if things get worse?
- Do you have any written information?
- Where can I go to find more information, a support group or further help?
Page last edited: 14 December 2012