Five Questions Every Woman Should Ask Her Doctor
Too much to do, too little time. . .especially in the doctor's office. Many
women say they don't have enough time to ask their most important questions.
Whatever you do to improve communication with your doctor will make better use
of that time and improve your health care.
Specific QUESTIONS you should ask your doctor include:
- What screening tests do I need and how often? The most important
tests for all adults are height and weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, rectal
exam. For women, annual Pap smears, breast exams, and mammograms are important.
- What conditions am I at risk for? How can I reduce my risk? Do I need
additional diagnostic tests or vaccines? Just ask.
- Are there any changes I should make in my medications, contraception,
vitamins, supplements or herbal preparations?
- And finally: What signs and symptoms do I need to think about as I
age?
Women in their 40's, for example may want to ask about approaching menopause.
For more information, click here.
Created: 7/25/2001 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
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