• Be aware that doctors must see more patients per day than they once did.
• Be aware that some doctors may have financial reasons for doing too much or too little for those in their care. Specialists are often the only ones with the training needed to treat a serious or chronic condition, so the doctor may refer the survivor to a specialist.
• If the relationship with the doctor becomes unfriendly, find a new doctor.
• Respect the doctor's time (you may need to have more than one visit to cover all issues).
• If Medicare is the payer, ask if the doctor accepts Medicare assignment. If not, the difference may have to be paid out of pocket.

Preparing for a Visit to the Doctor

• Be prepared to briefly explain the care receiver's and the family's medical history.
• Take a list of questions in order of importance.
• Prepare a list of any symptoms the person you care for is experiencing.
• Be prepared to ask for written information on the medical situation so you can better understand what the doctor is saying, or bring a small tape recorder.
• You can call the hospital's library or health resource center for help in looking up any questions the doctor does not answer.

At the Doctor's Office

• Tell the doctor what you hope and expect from the visit and any recommended treatment.
• If the doctor tells you to do something you know you can't do, such as give medication in the middle of the night, ask if there is another treatment and explain why.
• Insist on talking about the level of care that you believe is appropriate and that agrees with the care receiver's wishes.
• Ask about other options for tests, medications, and surgery.
• Ask why tests or treatments are needed and what the risks are.
• Consider all options, including the pros and cons of "watchful waiting. "
• Trust your common sense and if you have doubts, get a second opinion.

Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to Tests and Medications

Before you begin discussing medical treatment with the doctor, explain that the person in your care does not want any unnecessary tests or treatments. Then ask these questions:

• Why is this test needed?
• How long will it take? How soon will the results be in?
• Is the test accurate?
• Is it painful?
• Are there risks with the treatment? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
• How long will side effects occur and how long will they last?
• Are X rays really needed?
• Will the doctor review the test report and explain it in detail?
• May a copy of the report be taken home? (If you have questions, ask to talk to the specialist who made the report.)
• If a test is positive, what course of action should be taken?
• Is the condition going to worsen slowly or rapidly?
• What could happen if the person did not have the test?
• How much does the test cost and is there a less costly one?

Questions to Ask the Doctor About Medications

Medications can be costly, confusing to use, and have unwanted side effects. Be sure to ask questions when medicines are prescribed and prescriptions are filled.

• Give the doctor a list of all medications and dosages that the person in your care is now taking, including eye drops, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
• Tell the doctor of any other treatments being used. Sometimes using two or more treatments may be fatal or may keep the new treatment from working.
• Tell the doctor of any allergies or if there are certain foods the person cannot eat (food allergies).
• Understand why each medication is needed and how much it will help the person's condition.
• Ask if pain can be relieved almost completely, and then ask for the medicine that works best.
• Ask how long it takes for the drug to work.
• Find out its side effects.
• Ask if the drug could react with other drugs and what you should do if there are side effects.
• Find out if a change in diet, exercise, reducing stress, or other things can be done.
• If more than one medicine is needed, ask the doctor if they can be taken at the same times each day. If a drug must be taken at a difficult time (for instance, in the middle of the night), ask about another choice.
• Try to find the lowest cost drug. Ask if a generic (nonbrand name) drug or another brand in the same drug class is available at a lower cost.
• Be sure that the generic drug will not have a poor effect on the person's condition.
• Ask if a lower dose can be prescribed without bad effects.
• To keep costs down, ask if a higher dose can be safely prescribed and the pill cut in half.
• Ask if you can buy a one-week supply of a new medication to see if the person can handle any possible side effects. Or ask if the physician has free samples to try.