Health care is a partnership between you and your doctor. You might not sign “MD” next to your name, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take some ownership of your wellness. One of the easiest ways to do this is to prepare a list of questions for your primary care physician.
Your doctor isn’t a mind reader. They may not know about all your health issues or concerns. They want you to ask about your health! Doing so will help establish open communication between you and your healthcare provider. A preplanned list of inquiries will also ensure you are engaged with your overall health.
Here are some top questions to ask during your next check-up.
How do I access my medical records?
Many care teams now offer web or app-based medical records. These documents will detail your vaccination history, test results, after-visit summaries, and more.
It’s important to have a copy of your records in case you need to change providers. Keeping records also helps you stay informed about your health and needs.
Ask your doctor’s office if they have electronic records you can access—request to have copies emailed to you if they do not have a patient portal.
Am I at risk for any health problems?
Your family history, age, and gender determine what health conditions you should look for. Your primary care provider (PCP) may review these risk factors during your visit.
Still, staying abreast of medical conditions you may be at risk for during your annual check-up is important for good health. For example, your provider may recommend frequent screenings if you have a family history of high blood pressure. This may help prevent heart disease.
Check in with your provider. Ask about your risk factors for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. This simple question will help you both get on the same page regarding screening tests and preventative care.
What other health screenings do I need?
Your doctor will check your vital signs during your annual physical exam. You may need additional testing done during or after your check-up, depending on your health history, age, and gender.
Regular testing becomes more important as you age. Asking about additional testing keeps you and your doctor updated on your specific needs.
Some age and gender-specific tests you may need include:
- Mammograms for breast cancer
- Lipid testing for high cholesterol
- Hb A1c blood tests for diabetes
- Pap smears for cervical cancer
- A colonoscopy for colon cancer
After undergoing testing, ask your doctor for a written copy of your test results and what they mean. They will talk you through what the test means for you and any follow-up steps you need to take.
Health screenings are crucial in detecting severe medical conditions before they occur. Certain types of cancers, for example, respond better to treatment the earlier they are caught.
Asking about screenings will help you and your doctor prevent health problems.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Like screenings, vaccinations are integral to maintaining your general health. Because many adults skip their annual physical exam, they may miss their due date for certain immunizations.
The immune system weakens as we age, so getting vaccinated is especially important for older adults. Ask if you are current on vaccinations to prevent complications like shingles and pneumonia.
Are there any vitamins or supplements I should be taking?
Not everyone needs to take vitamins or supplements. However, supplementation can fill specific nutritional gaps in your diet.
Talk through your diet and medical history with your doctor. They can determine whether there are supplements that could help your health. This conversation offers a good opportunity to get an informed recommendation from a healthcare provider.
You can also determine whether or not supplementation is safe to take with the current medications you are taking.
What can I do to improve my health?
Too often, we only get medical care for an already occurring condition. Asking for advice about improving your health can help prevent issues in the future.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your lifestyle, diet, and physical activity. Find out if there are any lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health over the long term.
Similarly, asking about your body mass index (BMI) is a good idea. Your body mass index is a key indicator of whether or not you are a healthy weight.
Weight and weight loss are sensitive issues. However, having overweight or obesity increases your risk of serious diseases and health complications. While discussing how to improve your health, talk to your provider about steps you can take to lose weight (if needed).
Should I get a second opinion?
Asking your primary care physician about seeking a second opinion should not be seen as an insult.
Depending on the condition you're seeking treatment for, your provider might suggest you consult a specialist. This can help you get a more accurate diagnosis.
For instance, people undergoing treatment for high blood pressure or diabetes may be referred to a dietician. These experts can help you create a diet and exercise plan to maintain a healthy weight and manage your condition.
Not every condition or diagnosis needs a second opinion, but there's no harm in asking whether you should talk to a specialist. The worst-case scenario is that your doctor informs you it's not necessary.
When should I book my next appointment?
After your check-up, check in about when to schedule your next appointment. Depending on your health history or test results, your provider may recommend more frequent visits to their office.
Similarly, if you are prescribed medication, your provider may request to see you soon. Medication follow-ups help assess how the drug works and discuss any side effects you may be experiencing.
Don’t be afraid of the doctor’s office! Remember that your provider wants you to ask questions. These inquiries show that you are engaged in your own health. They also keep the line of communication open between you and your doctor.
Take your health into your own hands by preparing a list of questions for your provider.
