What questions should I ask my doctor or specialist?
When it comes to taking control of your health, it is important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor.
Medical tests, treatments, procedures, or surgeries may have various degrees of risk. These procedures also have varying outcomes in terms of health and quality of life.
If you are scheduled for a test, treatment, procedure, or surgery, the following questions may provide a starting point to open a discussion with your family doctor or your specialist.
Family Doctor
- Why do you think I need to see a specialist?
- Why have you referred me to this particular specialist?
- How much experience does he/she have in treating my type of condition?
- How long will I have to wait to see the specialist?
- Why do I need this procedure or test?
- How will this procedure or test be carried out?
- How necessary or urgent is this procedure or test?
- What are the risks and benefits of this procedure or test?
- What do I need to do to prepare for this procedure or test?
- What should I do if my condition changes while I am waiting?
- Can I get this procedure or test done sooner somewhere else?
- If I need surgery, how long will I have to wait?
- How can I prepare myself for the surgery?
- If the specialist has a long wait list, is there another one in the region that can provide the same treatment sooner?
Specialist
- How necessary and urgent is the surgery?
- What are the risks and benefits of having surgery?
- Are other treatments available for my condition other than surgery?
- How long have other patients waited for this type of surgery?
- Is there evidence my condition will change while I wait?
- What should I do if my condition changes while I am waiting for surgery?
- How can I arrange to be contacted on short notice if a cancellation occurs?
- What should I do if I change my mind about having the surgery, if I need to re-schedule, or if my condition improves and I no longer need surgery?
- Can you describe to me what this procedure involves?
- For the procedure I need, how many do you perform each year?
- What kind of follow-up care or services will I require after the procedure?
Who to Contact
If you have any questions regarding your wait times and where you are on the wait list, please contact your physician and/or the designated wait time lead in the respective region:
| Regional Health Authority Contacts | |
|---|---|
| Eastern Health Regional Wait Times Manager Phone: 709-777-5833 |
Western Health Regional Wait List Manager Phone: 709-634-4339 |
| Central Health Client Relations Coordinator Phone: 1-888-799-2272 Phone: 709-292-2272 |
Labrador Grenfell Health Regional Wait List Coordinator/ Clinical Efficiency and Utilization Manager Phone: 709-454-0525 |
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and acts as a guide. Please contact your doctor or other health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about your health or your wait time.