Questions you should ask your doctor

  1. What is my blood pressure? Is it OK?
  2. Have I been checked for diabetes?
  3. How is my cholesterol? Is that OK?
  4. Am I due for any vaccinations?
  5. Do I need any cancer screening, such as PSA, colonoscopy, mammogram, pap smear?
  6. How is my weight? What is my body mass index (BMI)?
  7. Here is my medication list–does it match yours?
  8. What is my overall cardiac risk? (e.g. see this link).
  9. How do I quit smoking?

6 Responses to “Questions you should ask your doctor”

  1. jen_m Says:
    November 9, 2007 at 3:14 pm

    This is an excellent list. However, the header has a typo, and since the header is propagated to the tabs at the top of the site, one of the first impressions of the mainpage of the site includes a typo, which seems counterproductive. (That’s the reason I’m bringing this to your attention. Otherwise, it would just be obnoxious pedantry, and I don’t want that to be your first impression of me.)

  2. PalMD Says:
    November 9, 2007 at 3:21 pm

    Actually, I asked to be corrected over on my “About” page. Many thanks.
    And BTW, where are my other 2 readers? How come it took so long before some corrected me???

  3. jen_m Says:
    November 15, 2007 at 3:42 pm

    Perhaps they aren’t as anal reten-, er, detail-oriented as I.

  4. Flounder Says:
    March 1, 2008 at 10:51 am

    Excellent list! My only comment would be to move #9 a lot higher. There is nothing that can improve health more reliably than quitting smoking.

  5. surfsup Says:
    March 3, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    Great public service you’re doing here! Curious about why PSA is on your list of indicated screenings…given that USPSTF and ACPM say there’s not enough evidence to recommend in favor of same.

  6. PalMD Says:
    March 3, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    That’s why I have it under “Should I have…”

    Despite that fact that PSA in and of itself has not been found to decrease mortality, it’s still widely used by many, and should usually be discussed, even if not ordered, so the patient understands why you are or are not recommending testing.

    Excellent point.

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