Your health should always be your priority. As such, it is recommended that you meet with your doctor frequently to assess your health. On your routine check-ups, you must ask the right questions regarding the do’s on don’ts of maintaining good health. Doing so will not only help you build a rapport with your doctor, but it will also allow the doctor to guide you regarding tests and precautions to manage your existing conditions, if any. In case you have any specific or general questions in your mind, it’s always best to ask the doctor rather than waiting for the doctor to broach the subject. It’s best to be proactive for your own sake instead of assuming that the doctor knows about your condition. You should also ask the doctor to explain or clarify any terms or phrase that you don’t understand. If you’re wondering what to ask your doctor on your routine check-up visits, this article is for you.

Top 5 questions to ask a doctor during a check-up

• Question 1: Are there any screenings that I need?

The most crucial questions to ask your doctor during a checkup is whether you should begin with necessary screenings based on your age. While your doctor may ask you to get some blood tests and X-rays during your routine check-up, you should enquire if you need to undergo any other diagnostic screenings. Such screenings are done so that the doctor can learn more about your health. Women, especially those above the age of 35, may be asked to undergo a Pap smear test and mammogram among other tests. While some of these tests could be routine tests, your doctor may recommend some additional tests based on your current health and family history as well. Risk-appropriate screenings can help in detecting medical problems early on and expedite the treatment process, before a condition becomes advanced. Thus, it is vital that you provide your doctor with enough information and get recommendations on risk-appropriate screenings.

• Question 2: What lifestyle should you follow to improve your health?

With age, metabolism begins to slow down, especially if one is inactive. This can cause both men and women to start gaining weight. Increased weight leads to further complications such as increased levels of cholesterol and high blood pressure. These conditions can put a lot of pressure on your heart, thus affecting your heart health. As such, the pertinent questions to ask your doctor revolve around lifestyle changes. You can ask the doctor to recommend medications, mild supplements, light exercises, and a diet routine that will help with weight management and brining your cholesterol and blood pressure levels under check.

● Question 3: Should I be seeing a specialist?

Many a times, your general practitioner or family doctor may not be able to answer all your routine checkup checklist queries. If you are not satisfied with your doctor’s recommendations, you can enquire if there is any need for you to see a specialist and get a second opinion. The doctor will help you determine whether you are developing any symptoms or underlying conditions that warrant a specialist’s opinion and guide you accordingly. Seeing a specialist can help you get to the root cause of the problem.

• Question 4: When do I need to see a doctor again?

A routine check-up does not necessarily mean that you should not see your doctor for another year. As such, the next question to ask a doctor is when you should go for a follow-up visit. Typically, the doctor will suggest that you contact them if you notice any new symptoms. If the doctor suggests a follow-up appointment, then ask the doctor if there’s something that you should be doing in the meantime, and make sure you follow the instructions.

• Question 5: What can I do to learn more about my health?

The list of top 5 questions to ask your doctor also includes what you can do to understand your health better. While it is tempting to search health-related questions online, it is critical to remember that the internet is fraught with misinformation. If you must research online, it is best that you ask your doctor if there are any credible resources, which you can use as reference.

Now that you know what to ask your doctor at a checkup, remember to communicate frankly and have all your concerns addressed. Make proper notes so that you can refer to them when you go home. Medical expenses can catch you unawares which is why you should prepare for the same in advance, typically by investing in a good health insurance policy

Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.