Effective Communication with Your Healthcare Team
Bring a Support Person to Appointments
Bring a Support Person to Appointments
Bring a Support Person to Appointments
It’s helpful to have a trusted person with you at appointments to: set goals for the visit and ask questions, remind you of previous concerns, and take notes on key points
Organize and Prioritize Your Questions
Bring a Support Person to Appointments
Bring a Support Person to Appointments
Prepare a list of questions in advance, focusing on your main concerns. This keeps conversations clear and focused.
Take Notes or Record the Appointment
Bring a Support Person to Appointments
Take Notes or Record the Appointment
Taking notes, whether on paper or on your phone, allows you to reference information later. If you find it easier, have your support person take notes, or consider recording the appointment with permission.
Ask Questions and Seek Clarification
Be Direct and Clear with Your Healthcare Team
Take Notes or Record the Appointment
Medical language can be complex, so ask questions as they arise rather than waiting. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for more details or examples.
Be Direct and Clear with Your Healthcare Team
Be Direct and Clear with Your Healthcare Team
Be Direct and Clear with Your Healthcare Team
If something is not well-explained, let your provider know. Politely use “I” statements, such as “I feel rushed,” or “I need a bit more explanation on this.”
Confirm Your Understanding
Be Direct and Clear with Your Healthcare Team
Be Direct and Clear with Your Healthcare Team
Summarize what the doctor has told you in your own words and ask, “Is this correct?” to make sure you’ve understood correctly.
Discuss Follow-Up Instructions
Get to Know Your Entire Care Team
Get to Know Your Entire Care Team
Make sure you know how to reach your doctor outside of office hours and clarify the best way to follow up with any new questions.
Get to Know Your Entire Care Team
Get to Know Your Entire Care Team
Get to Know Your Entire Care Team
Beyond your main doctor, nurses and social workers can be great resources. They often speak in everyday terms and may have more time to help you understand your treatment and manage side effects.
Questions to Consider When Choosing Your Medical Team
Think about your experience with each healthcare provider:
⊹ Do you feel comfortable with them? Do they listen and respond to your questions seriously?
⊹ Is it easy to make appointments, and is the hospital location convenient?
⊹ How is your caregiver’s role acknowledged and supported?
Questions to Ask
Essential Questions to Ask Your Medical Team
⊹ What’s the protocol for after-hours emergencies?
⊹ Are you open to second opinions or consultations with other specialists?
⊹ How do you stay updated on clinical trials and emerging treatments?
Get Specific with Each Specialist
For each doctor and specialist you meet, ask questions relevant to their field. Here are some examples by specialist type:
Medical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
⊹ What treatment do you recommend and why?
⊹ What is the goal of my treatment?
⊹ Is there a possibility of remission or cure with my current treatment plan?
⊹ How will you monitor if the treatment is working?
⊹ What lifestyle changes would you recommend during treatment?
⊹ Will I need to stop any regular medications or supplements?
Surgeon
Radiation Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
⊹ What are my surgical options, and what are the risks of each?
⊹ What is the expected recovery time for each surgical option?
⊹ Will I need lymph nodes removed, and how will that affect me?
⊹ What can I do to prepare physically and mentally for surgery?
⊹ Will there be any limitations on my activity after surgery?
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
⊹ What can I expect in terms of side effects?
⊹ Will any other areas of my body be affected by radiation?
⊹ How many sessions of radiation will I need, and over what timeframe?
⊹ Can radiation impact other areas of my health?
Pathologist
Oncology Social Worker
Radiation Oncologist
⊹ What specific tests will you run on my biopsy, and what will they tell us?
⊹ Will my biopsy be analyzed with any specific tests to guide treatment?
⊹ How accurate is the staging or grading you’ve determined from my tissue?
⊹ Can I request a copy of my pathology report, and how can I understand it better?
Primary Care Doctor
Oncology Social Worker
Oncology Social Worker
⊹ Should I adjust my usual medications during cancer treatment?
⊹ Are there specific health issues you’d like to monitor while I undergo treatment?
⊹ Are there routine tests or exams I should continue while I’m in cancer treatment?
⊹ Can you help me track any new symptoms that might relate to my cancer or treatment?
Oncology Social Worker
Oncology Social Worker
Oncology Social Worker
⊹ What mental health resources do you recommend for cancer patients?
⊹ Are there financial aid programs or grants that I may qualify for?
⊹ How can I discuss my diagnosis with family or friends?
Genetic Counselor
Insurance Case Manager
Insurance Case Manager
⊹ What specific gene mutations would increase my cancer risk?
⊹ How would you advise my family members regarding genetic testing?
⊹ If I carry a mutation, what preventative measures do you recommend?
Insurance Case Manager
Insurance Case Manager
Insurance Case Manager
⊹ How can I check that all my treatments are covered under my plan?
⊹ What are the steps to file an appeal if my treatment is denied?
⊹ Will there be additional costs for second opinions or specialist referrals?
Physical Therapist
Insurance Case Manager
Physical Therapist
⊹ Can you show me specific exercises to do before treatment to improve recovery?
⊹ How soon after surgery can I start physical therapy?
⊹ What movements should I avoid to prevent lymphedema?
Other Important Questions
General Health and Well-being
⊹ Will treatment impact my ability to work, study, or manage daily activities?
⊹ What diet and nutrition adjustments would you suggest?
⊹ Can you connect me with a nutritionist who has experience with cancer patients?
Emergency and Urgent Care
⊹ What should I do if I experience a sudden, severe side effect outside of office hours?
⊹ Is there a hotline or service for urgent questions after hours?
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