Questions 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!

Patient questions to ask your doctor:

1. What are my:

  • Blood tests results
  • Biopsy result
  • Disease stage
  • Other medical test results

1b. Please explain the results in layperson’s terms.

2. Will we continue the same schedule of:

  • Medications
  • Treatments
  • Lab tests

2b. 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
  • 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?

14b. Can you recommend a support group for PBC?

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?