After a hospital stay, you may need new medications and tests to continue to monitor your condition.Visiting your doctor for the first time after a hospitalization can be confusing. Use this checklist and our Healthcare Tracker to ask your doctor questions after your hospital stay.
About My Condition
__ What effect did my hospitalization have on my condition?
__ Is it cured or just under control for now?
__ How can my condition be treated or managed or made better?
__ How will this condition affect me?
__ Will I need to change some of my activities?
__ Are there long-term effects of my condition?
__ How can I learn more about my condition?
About My Medicines
__ What is the name of the medicine? How do you spell it?
__ Why do I need to take this medicine?
__ How long do I need to take this medicine?
__ Are there foods, drinks, other medications or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
__ Should I take my medicine at meals or between meals?
__ Do I need to take the medicine on an empty stomach or with food or a whole glass of water?
__ What should I do if I forget to take the medicine and miss a dose?
__ When will the medicine begin to work?
__ What are common side effects of this medicine?
*Your pharmacist also can help answer your questions about medications, including what the label on the medicine bottle means. Also, if asked, your pharmacist can put your medicines in easy-to-open containers and may be able to use large-print labels.
About My Medical Tests
__ Why do I need this test?
__ What will this test show about my health?
__ What will the test cost? Will my health insurance cover the costs?
__ What do I need to do to get ready for the test?
__ How is the test done? What steps does the test involve?
__ Are there any dangers or side effects?
__ How will I find out the results of my test? How long will it take to get the results?
__ What will we know after the test?
__ Will I get a written copy of the test results?
Adapted from NIHSeniorHealth.gov/TalkingWithYourDoctor