Questions You May Want To Ask Your Doctor

Do you leave your doctor's office knowing not much more than when you went in?  Do you want to know more about your liver disease and what's going on inside your body?

Below is a helpful list of questions other PBCers have suggested asking your doctor at the next appointment.  You have the right to know what is going on inside your body, so don't be afraid to ask. Your doctor is there to help YOU!

Questions the patient may want to ask their doctor.

1.   a) What are my:

• blood tests results
• biopsy result
• other medical test results

      b) Please interpret the results for me in layperson's terms.

2.   a) Will we continue the same schedule of:

• medications
• treatments
• lab tests

       b) Will changes be made?

3.   At the present time, would you recommend any changes in my:

• diet
• lifestyle
• job-related activity
• recreational activities

4.   Would you be willing to refer me for:

• second opinion
• further medical testing
• dietary guidance
• physical therapy
• or any other outside assistance?

5.   Will you send copies of my medical records to my other doctors?  

6.   Will you give me copies of my labs and medical tests?

7.   How many patients with PBC do you treat?

8.   What are your thoughts on alternative medical therapies?

9.   What symptoms or associated diseases might I expect from my liver disease as it progresses?

10.  Will you support me when the time is appropriate to file for medical disability?

11.  Is your office staff prepared to assist me when the time is appropriate to be listed for transplant?

12.  Are you willing to refer me for participation in research studies for PBC or associated diseases?

13.  May I leave some materials with you to distribute to your PBC or other autoimmune liver diseases patients? For example: PBCers information, American Liver Foundation, research agendas, fundraising sponsorships, local support groups and contacts.

14.  How do you feel about support groups? 

Questions the caregiver or support person may want to ask the doctor.

1.    As the caregiver or support person, what can I do for the patient?

2.    As the caregiver or support person, what type of daily assistance will the patient need from me?

3.    How can I help the patient with:

• treatments
• emotions
• physical changes or pain
• financial support
• other

4.   What changes might I expect:

• physically
• mentally

5.   Would you recommend counseling for the:

• patient
• family
• caregiver

6.    Is it necessary to apply for medical disability at this time?

7.   What other assistance may I offer the patient?

THANKS TO Anne (FVertrees@) for putting this list together for our PBCers.