Questions to ask
Questions to ask
Hi Rocky - welcome to the group.
http://www.heartcenteronline.com/ has a list of questions to ask your cardiologist. It looks pretty comprehensive to me, if a bit generic. For your convenience I've nicked them and posted them here (no doubt risking persecution by their Terms-of-Servivce-Police!).
Heart Center Online is an excellent site for learning about heart conditions and procedures. It's designed for "beginners," yet has a lot of substantive content and great illustrations. Definitely worth visiting.
The site does require you to register, and in the process asks the registrant a bunch of invasive questions that are none of anybody's &*$#! business but your own. HCO does, however, seem to be perfectly satisfied with fictitous data.
More advanced info can be gotten from the following pubs, written for physicians.
http://www.acc.org/clinical/guidelines/valvular/PValvulr.pdf
http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/10189758562391998 ACCAHA Valvular Heart Disease.pdf
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QUESTIONS FOR YOUR CARDIOLOGIST
( Medical Question, Health Question )
Why is a list important?
It's very common for people to leave their doctor with questions unasked. They may have forgotten a question or felt uncomfortable bringing something up. Because of this very common situation, you might want to be prepared as much as possible before you go to your cardiologist's office. This article suggests some questions that you might want to print out and bring with you to your appointment. If you don't feel comfortable asking some of these questions, you can just hand the list to your cardiologist to be sure that they are all addressed. Another tip is to prepare your family medical history in advance (see Family Tree).
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First visit
Why was I referred to a cardiologist?
Are my signs/symptoms serious?
What can I expect from this visit?
Will this visit be covered by my insurance company?
Are there heart-healthy strategies that I can be using?
When should I schedule my next appointment?
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Before a test is done
Why is this test being performed?
Are there any risks associated with the test?
Will this test be painful? Will an anesthetic be provided?
Are there any less invasive tests that could provide the same information?
What will happen during the test?
How long will the test take?
Should I bring someone with me for the test?
Should I do anything differently before the test (e.g. change in eating/drinking or medications)?
What might the test find?
Depending on what the test finds, what will happen afterward?
Will my insurance company cover this test?
When should I schedule my next appointment?
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Test results/diagnosis
What did the test show?
What were my exact numbers or values, and what is the normal range for other people my age?
Please explain to me what the terms on this printed-out report mean (e.g., "nonspecific T-wave abnormality" on an EKG, or "CBC" on blood test results).
Do I have a diagnosis, or is more testing necessary?
If more testing is necessary, which tests are needed and why?
If a diagnosis has been given, what is the diagnosis, its cause, its symptoms and possible treatments (including experimental treatments)?
Could my diagnosis have been prevented?
Will my diagnosis get worse?
Does my diagnosis run in families? Should any of my family members be tested for this condition?
When should I schedule my next appointment?
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Before a procedure is done
Why is this procedure being recommended?
Are there any risks associated with this procedure?
Are there any less invasive procedures that could accomplish the same thing?
How is the procedure performed?
Will this procedure be painful? Will an anesthetic be provided?
How long will the procedure take?
Should I bring someone with me for the procedure?
Should I do anything differently before the procedure (e.g. change in eating/drinking or medications)?
Will further treatment be necessary after this procedure?
Will I need to be admitted to the hospital and, if so, for how long?
How soon can I go back to work after this procedure?
How soon can I have sex after this procedure?
How soon can I lift heavy objects after this procedure?
How soon can I drive, cook and perform regular chores after this procedure?
Will this procedure be covered by my insurance company?
When should I schedule my next appointment?
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Procedure results/treatment plan
Did the procedure successfully accomplish what was intended?
Did anything unexpected happen or show up during the procedure?
Will I ever need to have that procedure performed again?
Please review with me how soon I can return to activities such as work, having sex, lifting heavy objects and regular chores.
What can I expect regarding pain and other possible effects of this procedure?
Are there any signs (e.g., redness) that I might notice that I should call you about?
Please review with me any new medications that I will be taking following this procedure, how to take them, how I can expect to feel on them, potential side effects and what I should do if I experience a side effect (e.g., make an appointment, call you immediately, call 9-1-1 and so forth).
When should I schedule my next appointment?
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Follow-up appointments
How is my overall health (e.g., cholesterol levels, weight, EKG/ echo results, blood test results, and so forth)?
I have noticed some new symptoms ? should I be worried about them?
I have noticed some side effects from my medication(s) ? what do you recommend?
Are there any signs that I might notice that I should call you about?
Will my insurance company cover this visit?
When should I schedule my next appointment?