Five Questions Every Patient Should Ask Their Provider

Empowering Yourself in the Clinical Encounter

I have been on both sides of the clinical encounter. Here are five questions I encourage everyone to ask at every significant appointment: 1) What is this actually for? 2) What happens if we wait? 3) What are the alternatives? 4) What should I watch for that would prompt me to call or return? 5) Can you explain that in plain language? Medical jargon is a barrier to informed decision-making. Good providers welcome the request for simpler explanations.