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Questions For A Specialist

Related Article: Questions To Ask A Specialist

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Mark the questions to ask a specialist in order of priority for you.
  2. When you push the "Reorder" button, the questions will automatically re-order to your priority.
  3. Print the reordered questionnaire. If you have additional questions, write them in before you go to the appointment.
  4. Ask as many questions as time will allow in the order you set. If you don't get to ask all the questions you want, ask when you can follow-up with the doctor either at another face-to-face meeting or on the telephone.
  5. Record the doctor's answers, or make brief notes about them during the interview.
  6. After you leave the appointment:
    • Expand the notes so you'll remember what's important to you when comparing other doctors, and for the future if you work with this doctor.
    • Complete the below section titled "Considerations After A Doctor Interview" to record additional information which you may find helpful when choosing a doctor.

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.)

IF YOU ARE IN A MANAGED CARE PLAN:

What do you think of my managed care plan?

Do you mind telling me how you're compensated? (If the doctor's fee is "capitated", she or he is paid a set amount per year per patient. The more you are seen, the less the doctor is paid.)

How long have you been with the plan? (You're looking for a commitment to the plan so the specialist will hopefully be there as long as you are)

Are you considering leaving the plan?

Are you bound by any "gag rules"? (Some managed care plans prohibit their doctors from discussing certain subjects with patients, such as more expensive treatment strategies. Federal law prevents gagging doctors in Medicare MCO's. Some state laws also prohibit "gag rules.")

Are you limited as to the referrals you can make? If so, how do you think that would impact the care you give me?

IF YOU DON'T HAVE INSURANCE

It may sound unusual, but more patients are negotiating with their doctor to receive a discount. This has been around a long time for medical areas not usually covered by insurance such as psychotherapy or plastic surgery. Now it's going main stream. A Harris poll found that of those consumers who asked for a discount on a medical bill, almost half of them say they succeeded. Generally, the key is to offer to pay the discounted fee immediately rather than pay the doctor over a period of time.

 

Considerations After An Interview With A Specialist

Once you've left the doctor, think about the following before you make your final decision.

 

Considerations After A Doctor Interview

OFFICE CONSIDERATIONS:

YES / NO

When you enter the office, are you made to feel welcome?

  • Yes
  • No

Is the waiting area comfortable and clean?

  • Yes
  • No

Is the office staff friendly and willing to answer your questions?

  • Yes
  • No

Do nurses and other healthcare professionals seem competent and caring?

  • Yes
  • No

Did you wait long for the doctor?

  • Yes
  • No

DID THE DOCTOR. . .

. . . give me a chance to ask questions?

  • Yes
  • No

. . . really listen to me?

  • Yes
  • No

. . . answer in terms I understood?

  • Yes
  • No

. . . show respect and concern for me?

  • Yes
  • No

. . . ask relevant questions?

  • Yes
  • No

. . . make me feel comfortable? (You may not need to feel as comfortable with your specialist as with your primary care physician if you believe the doctor is the best available for diagnosing and treating your condition.)

  • Yes
  • No

. . . address my health problems?

  • Yes
  • No

. . . make me feel assured and confident about his advice?

  • Yes
  • No

. . . explain all of my treatment options and ask about my preferences (if applicable)?

  • Yes
  • No

. . . spend enough time with me?

  • Yes
  • No