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10 questions to ask your doctor about a chronic illness
The most useful questions cover what is known about your symptoms, what has been ruled out, what happens next, and who to contact between appointments. Pick your top three before you go in, bring a dated record of your symptoms, and ask for the key points in writing.
Before you go in
Appointments go fast, and living with symptoms that change from day to day makes them harder to explain in a few minutes.
- Pick your top three. Circle the three questions below that matter most today. Ask those first.
- Bring a record. A short, dated summary of your worst symptoms, what changed and what helped is easier to discuss than memory alone. See our free symptom diary.
- Bring a second pair of ears if you can. Their only job: write things down.
- Ask for it in writing. "Could you write that down for me?" is a normal request. So is "Can you say that again more simply?"
Understanding where you are
1. What do you think is causing my symptoms, and what is still uncertain? Knowing what is known and what is not helps you understand the next steps, and shows what to track.
2. What has been ruled out, and what has not been tested yet? This tells you what the normal results do and do not cover, and what might come next.
3. What are the next steps, and when should I expect them? A clear sequence (test, referral, follow-up) lets you ask again if it does not happen.
Managing day to day
4. What can I do to manage my symptoms, and what should I avoid? Ask for specifics for your situation rather than general advice.
5. Which changes should I report right away, and who do I contact: day, night and weekend? Knowing in advance what is urgent saves you from guessing. Write the number down before you leave.
6. Will any of my current medicines or supplements affect my symptoms? Bring a list of everything you take, including over-the-counter products.
Your care team
7. Who else should be involved in my care, and who is coordinating it? With several specialists, it helps to know who sees the whole picture.
8. Can you write a summary of my situation that I can share with other doctors? It saves you from telling the whole story again at every new appointment.
Being heard
9. If I think something is being missed, how should I raise it and what would help you take it into account? A dated record of symptoms and what helped is far harder to dismiss than "I haven't felt well".
10. Would a second opinion or a referral to a specialist clinic be useful in my case? A good team will not be offended. It can confirm the plan or bring an option you had not heard of.
One question to end every appointment: "What is the most important thing I should remember from today?"
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to bring a list of questions to my doctor?
Yes. Bringing a written list is a normal way to make sure the questions that matter to you get answered in a short appointment.
What if my test results are normal but I still have symptoms?
Ask what has been ruled out and what the next steps are, and bring a dated record of your symptoms.
Can I ask my doctor to write things down?
Yes. It is a common request, and it helps you share the information with other members of your care team.
What if I forget what the doctor said?
Bring someone to take notes, ask for the key points in writing, and end with: "What is the most important thing I should remember from today?"
For information only, not medical advice. Mima does not give medical advice and does not replace your care team. This page is for information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about your own situation.