How many patients with my diagnosis have you treated in the past year? (The more patients, the more likelihood that outcomes will be better.)
What percentage of your patients has my same diagnosis? (A low percentage could indicate that the doctor doesn't have the necessary experience or may not have the inclination to stay as up to date on latest treatments).
What training have you had in treating my diagnosis?
How do you stay current on new developments in this area?
How do you stay in contact with my other doctors?
We recommend that you keep all your doctors up-to-date about every doctor visit, change in your physical or mental condition, and changes in drugs and/or treatments. See How To Keep Your Doctors Up To Date for a system for keeping your doctors to date. If you agree with the recommendation, is the doctor willing to participate - or have a better system for doing the same thing?
Under what circumstances do you suggest obtaining second opinions?
Are you willing to work with me as part of my healthcare team or do you want to be the decision maker?
What should we call each other? The playing field will not be level if the doctor calls you by your first name, but you call the specialist "Doctor XYZ." It is preferable to both be on a first name basis or both be addressed as "Mr./Ms." and "Doctor."
If a medical condition can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and nutrition, and I'm willing to make them, are you willing to take the time to work with me?
In addition to you, who else will be on my care team?
If a specific procedure or treatment is recommended: How many times have you performed the procedure or treatment? (The more, the better.)
What is your treatment philosophy? For example, is the doctor more concerned about quantity of life than quality?
How much time do you generally give to patients? What if I need more time at a particular session?
Do you have a financial interest in a testing lab or other test such as an MRI to which you may refer patients?
What is your approach to patient education?
I'm the kind of person who (wants to know everything)(doesn't want to know bad news)(wants to know my prognosis)(fill in the blank to match your needs) - are you willing to work with that?
If it comes to that, are you willing to respect my end-of-life choices (such as "do not resuscitate" orders, health care proxies, and living wills?)
If someone will help you make medical decisions, ask the doctor about his/her feelings about involving your family or a specific person in care decisions.
If I have questions between visits, what is the best way to get them answered? Fax? E-Mail? Phone call? If a call, when is the best time to call? (Some doctors only speak to patients when then return calls at certain hours.)