Discuss with your Doctor your foot-health

 

Today, patients can take an active role in their foot health care.

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to get your discussion started:

 

About My Disease or Disorder...

• What is my diagnosis?

• What caused my condition?

• Can my condition be treated?

• Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if they occur?

• Should I make any lifestyle changes?

About My Treatment...

• What is the treatment for my condition?

• When will the treatment start, and how long will it last?

• What are the benefits of this treatment, and how successful is it?

• What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?

• Are other treatments available?

About My Tests...

• What kinds of tests will I have?

• What do you expect to find out from these tests?

• When will I know the results? 

• Will I need more tests later?

Understanding your doctor's responses is essential to good communication. Here are a few more tips:

• If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do understand. 

• Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions to you.

• Ask your doctor for printed material about your condition.