Make the most of your time with your doctor by taking charge of your health care plan and asking the right questions before a procedure. This will guarantee you and your doctor are on the same page.
For a printer-friendly version of this article, click here.
Medical tests help you and your doctor or other health care provider decide how to treat a problem. Medical procedures help to actually treat it.
Will there be side effects? What are the chances of getting results that aren’t accurate? Could that lead to more testing or another procedure?
Sometimes all you need to do is make lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods or exercising more.
Ask if your condition might get worse—or better—if you don’t have the test or procedure right away.
Ask if there are less expensive tests, treatments, or procedures, what your insurance may cover, and about generic drugs instead of brand-name drugs.