Questions to ask your Primary Care Provider during your visit

I once had a patient, a kind and gentle woman named Alice. She rushed into Greensboro emergency medicine late one night, her face etched with worry. She had a minor health scare, but couldn’t help feeling anxious. Why? Because she realized she didn’t know the first thing about her own health. That’s why I’m writing this blog post today. It’s not just for Alice or the countless others like her, but for anyone who’s ever felt lost during a visit to their primary care provider. It’s time to change that. Let’s empower ourselves with the right questions to ask. Because knowing what to ask, that’s half the battle won.

Why Do I Need to Know These Questions?

Imagine you’re a detective. Would you enter an investigation without any idea what to look for? Of course not. In the same way, your body is a mystery and your primary care provider is a detective. The questions you ask can be the key to unlocking your health’s secrets.

First Set of Questions: Your Health History

Let’s dig into your past. It may hold answers for your present and future. Here are three questions you should ask:

• What screenings or tests do I need based on my age, family history, and lifestyle?
• Are there any updates or changes in my medical records that I should be aware of?
• Based on my health history, what preventative measures should I take?

Second Set of Questions: Your Current Health

Now let’s focus on the present. It’s time to look for any red flags. Consider these questions:

• Can you explain my recent test results to me?
• What is the cause of my current symptoms?
• Do my current medications have any side effects I should know about?

Third Set of Questions: Your Future Health

Finally, let’s look to your future. It’s time to prepare for what’s to come. Here are three important questions:

• What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my health?
• Do I have any risk factors for future health issues?
• What can I do to prevent these future health issues?

Remember, you are the biggest stakeholder in your health. Your primary care provider is your partner, but you are in control. The questions you ask today can shape your health tomorrow. Don’t be like Alice, caught off guard in the middle of the night. Be informed. Ask questions. Win your health battle one question at a time.