As a health care consumer, it is in your best interest to take an active role in the treatment decision process. This can be accomplished by asking questions and making sure that you are being given useful, understandable information. If you do not understand the terminology your doctor is using, ask him/her to clarify or rephrase what he/she said so that you do understand. Feel free to take notes and bring your written questions with you when you see your doctor. It is easy to forget what you want to ask your doctor due to the stress of the moment.
The following is a list of general questions you may want to ask your physician depending on the condition/illness and the recommended treatment:
Ask any question you may have concerning advance directives (instructions about the health care treatment you would like or not like to receive if you become unable to make these decisions yourself).
If you need an interpreter (including sign language) to understand the risks and benefits of treatment, you have the right to ask for one. As a patient you may request information regarding your doctor's education, board certification, names of hospitals where he/she is affiliated and number of years in practice.