Gut healthTelehealth reading cardsAll reading cards

Plan the conversation

Questions for the person assessing you

Take the questions that match your worry. Leave space for answers in your own words.

About the concern

Begin with what you want help understanding.

  • What might explain what I am experiencing?
  • What information is missing before we discuss care?
  • Would an in-person exam help answer that question?

About a proposed medicine

Ask for the name and the reasoning, in words you can repeat back.

  • Why are you proposing this for my concern?
  • What evidence can we read together?
  • Which other approaches can we discuss?
  • What are the possible harms and the gaps in what is known?
  • Which pharmacy would fill the prescription?

About the plan after the visit

Ask who stays involved once the appointment has ended.

  • Who explains any test results?
  • How do I reach the person making the care decisions?
  • What does follow-up cost?
  • What would prompt a change in the plan?

Beside the evidence

There must be room to ask back

Patients need a chance to ask more questions of the clinician. The medical boards’ guidance reviewed in September 2026 requires this.

The Federation of State Medical Boards publishes this policy for its member state boards.

Read the guidance on patient questions