I’ve got an appointment with my GP …

Confirm your diagnosis

• What is my diagnosis?
• What is the technical name of my disease or condition, and what does it mean in plain English?
• Will I need tests?
• What is my prognosis (outlook for the future)?
• What changes will I need to make?
• Is there a chance that someone else in my family might get the same condition?
• Will I need special help at home for my condition?
• Is there any treatment?
• What are my treatment options?
• How soon do I need to make a decision about treatment?
• What are the benefits and risks associated with my treatment options?
• Is there a clinical trial (research study) that is right for me?
• Which organizations and resources do you recommend for support and information?

My GP has recommended some tests …

• What is the test for?
• Why do I need this test?
• How is the test done?
• Will the test hurt?
• Is the test invasive or dangerous?
• What kind of information will the test provide?
• Is this test the only way to find out that information?
• What are the benefits and risks of having this test?
• Are there any side effects?
• What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
• How long will it take to get the results, and how will I get them?
• Who should I call if the results are late?
• What’s the next step after the test?

I want to make sure I see the right consultant …

• Does this consultant have the background and training I need for my symptoms/condition?
• Is this consultant able to work at the hospital I want to go to?
• Can I talk to this consultant and ask questions?
• How do I ensure that the consultant has washed his or her hands between examining me and the previous patient?

I have a consultant appointment …

• What are my treatment options?
• What is your recommendation?
• Is the treatment painful?
• How can the pain be controlled?
• What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?
• What are the expected results?
• When will I see results from the treatment?
• What are the chances the treatment will work?
• Are there any side effects?
• What can be done about them?
• How soon do I need to make a decision about treatment?
• What happens if I choose to have no treatment at all?
• How much would this treatment cost if I went privately?
• Will my health insurance cover the treatment?

The consultant recommends surgery …

• Why do I need surgery?
• What kind of surgery do I need?
• What exactly does it involve?
• Are there alternatives to surgery?
• What are the benefits and risks of the surgery?
• What if I don’t have the surgery?
• If I wanted one, how could I get a second opinion?
• Where will the surgery be performed?
• Which hospital is best for this surgery?
• If I travelled further afield, would I get better care?
• Does the consultant operate in different hospitals?
• Can I have my surgery at the hospital of my choice?
• What kind of anaesthesia will I need?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• Will the consultant be performing the surgery, or will it be delegated to a member of his/her team?
• If so, what is their experience?
• How do I ensure that I get the best care?
• How much experience does the surgeon have doing this particular surgery?
• Has the consultant ever done this surgery before?
• When did he/she do it last?
• How successful is this surgery?
• Will the surgery hurt?
• How long will the surgery take?
• What will happen after the surgery?
• How long will I be in hospital?
• When can I go home?
• When can I go back to work?

My GP/consultant has prescribed medication …

• What is the name of the medicine?
• How do you spell the name?
• Will it affect or interact with any other medication I have been prescribed/currently take?
• What is the medicine for?
• When should I take my medicine?
• How much medicine should I take?
• How long do I need to take the medicine for?
• When will the medicine start working?
• Can I stop taking my medicine if I feel better?
• Are there any side effects? When should I be worried by side effects?
• Do I need to avoid any food, drinks or activities?
• Does this new prescription mean I should stop taking any other medicines I’m taking now?
• Can I take vitamins with my prescription?
• What should I do if I forget to take my medicine?

Which hospital should I go to?

• Which hospital has the best care for my condition?
• How does the hospital compare with others in my area?
• Has the hospital had success with treating my condition?
• Is my clinician/consultant allowed to work at this hospital?
• How good is the after-care treatment at this hospital?
• What are the best/worst outcomes of my treatment at this hospital?
• What are other patients with my health problem saying about their treatment a this hospital?
• How well does the hospital check and improve on its own quality of care?

I am not happy with the care I have received

If you have any concerns about a doctor, visit www.gmc-uk.org/concerns www.npsa.nhs.uk – the NHS National Patient Safety Agency is where you can report incidents and find useful links and advice. Back to top of page