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Questions to ask your doctor

It can be hard to remember all of the questions you want to ask your doctor or nurse during your appointments. Below is a general list that you may find useful as a guide.

At Diagnosis

    • What is the name of my condition?
    • Do I need further tests? What would they involve?
    • What treatment is recommended?
    • How long will my overall treatment take?
    • Who do I call if I become unwell and is there a process I should follow?
    • Where will I have this treatment – as an inpatient, outpatient, at home?
    • What side effects may I experience?
    • Will I need to take time off work/school or organise childcare?
    • Are there any other treatment options?
    • How do they differ from my recommended treatment?
    • Would I have to pay for these or move to another treatment centre?
    • Am I eligible for clinical trials here or at another nearby treating centre?
    • Will I lose my hair?
    • How will it affect my physical ability?
    • Will my fertility be affected?
    • What allied health professionals are available to help manage my care and how do I access these? (e.g. physio, dietitian, social worker, chaplain, counsellor)
    • Do you have any dietary recommendations?
    • Can I use complementary therapies?
    • If I can’t work, am I eligible for financial assistance?
    • Are there any other community support organisations that I may benefit from?

    At Routine Appointments

    • Are there any changes to my treatment schedule?
    • Where will this treatment take place?
    • How long will this treatment take?
    • What are the side effects?
    • When am I due for my next investigation? (e.g. CT scan)
    • Do I need a prescription?
    • When is my next appointment?

    Remember to tell your doctor or nurse about any symptoms or side effects you are experiencing.

    Things to consider

    • Do I (or my carer) need a sick form?
    • Do I need any Centrelink forms completed?
    • Am I entitled to a hospital carpark discount?
    • Am I entitled to any government rebates for transport or accommodation (patient travel assistance)?
    • Do I need a patient travel assistance form to be completed?
    • Do I need forms completed for insurance purposes?

     

     

    Last updated on June 19th, 2019

    Developed by the Leukaemia Foundation in consultation with people living with a blood cancer, Leukaemia Foundation support staff, haematology nursing staff and/or Australian clinical haematologists. This content is provided for information purposes only and we urge you to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis, treatment and answers to your medical questions, including the suitability of a particular therapy, service, product or treatment in your circumstances. The Leukaemia Foundation shall not bear any liability for any person relying on the materials contained on this website.