Your physician is an excellent source of medical information, so it’s important to take full advantage of your appointments. Here are some crucial questions to ask your doctor to expand your understanding of your health.
Medical tests help verify and identify underlying health issues. Patients should have a good understanding of why each test is performed and what the results could mean.
Disease risk factors involving lifestyle can be controlled, which in turn can reduce your chances of developing a health issue. Medical staff are integral in identifying and managing risk factors.
A new diagnosis can carry lots of weight, especially when dealing with a major health issue. Along with providing information on the medical condition, your doctor should also go over how it will possibly impact your life.
Prognosis refers to the course of a medical condition or disease. Long-term prognosis indicates how the ailment will progress over time and how it can impact your health overall.
It can be frustrating waiting for a new medication or treatment to take effect. While doctors can’t offer a specific timeline, they can give you a general idea of when a treatment should begin to show effects.
Doctors can offer real solutions to common health problems involving diet and exercise. They can also make recommendations based on your specific needs and medical conditions.
Second opinions are crucial when it comes to a major medical diagnosis. Your doctor should be supportive in this event and should provide insight into what type of doctor or specialist is best to provide the second opinion.
All surgeries involve risks, but some have a higher chance of unwanted outcomes than others. A physician can give patients an idea of what type of negative outcomes are associated with a procedure, as well as ways to mitigate these risks.
All medications carry a chance of side effects, and which can range from mild to severe. Knowing about possible side effects before taking medication can help you identify issues and address them with your physician.
Generic versions of prescription medications are often less expensive, so your doctor may switch you to one of these drugs if you’re having trouble with costs. Medical staff might also have information on medication discount programs.
Along with asking the right questions during doctor visits, patients are also encouraged to get better acquainted with their health records. With the DrOwl app, you can access and review your complete medical record from your mobile device. You’ll also have access to an AI-powered search engine that can instantly find specific info, as well as a patient snapshot that provides a summary of your health. Contact us today for more information or sign up to get started.
