"It's probably nothing, but I'd like you to have this test ..."
If you haven't heard it from your doc already, prepare yourself. Medical tests are common, and whether you're getting one due to the threat of something suspicious or the confirmation of an all-clear, you can save yourself some nasty surprises and needless worry by asking your doc these questions before you get it:
1. What does this test measure?
Ads by Google
* Aortic Aneurysm TestsAAA Tests, Symptoms, & Options for Treatment From Cook Medical www.CookMedical.com
* ELISA that PerformFast. Accurate. Economical. DRG ELISA kits for clinical/R&D www.drg-international.com
Advertisement
2. Why do I need it, and what could happen if I don't have it?
3. Are there any alternatives to this test?
4. How accurate is it, and how often does it return false positives (the results show a problem that doesn't exist) and false negatives (the test says there's no problem, but there is)?
5. How is the test performed? (Will there be clanging noises above your head? Good to know that's normal.)
6. What can go wrong?
7. How will I feel after the test? (Can I return to work immediately?)
8. When will I get the results? If you don't get them, call your doc! About 7 percent of people with abnormal test results never hear about them.
9. What's the ideal result? Some medical tests are pass/fail, but many require interpretation. Circle back with your doc on what the results mean, even if they say "within the normal range."
Remember, medical care is so complex that no doc or nurse or even system can really work for you without your help. Be a smart patient, and be a partner in your own care.
If you haven't heard it from your doc already, prepare yourself. Medical tests are common, and whether you're getting one due to the threat of something suspicious or the confirmation of an all-clear, you can save yourself some nasty surprises and needless worry by asking your doc these questions before you get it:
1. What does this test measure?
Ads by Google
* Aortic Aneurysm TestsAAA Tests, Symptoms, & Options for Treatment From Cook Medical www.CookMedical.com
* ELISA that PerformFast. Accurate. Economical. DRG ELISA kits for clinical/R&D www.drg-international.com
Advertisement
2. Why do I need it, and what could happen if I don't have it?
3. Are there any alternatives to this test?
4. How accurate is it, and how often does it return false positives (the results show a problem that doesn't exist) and false negatives (the test says there's no problem, but there is)?
5. How is the test performed? (Will there be clanging noises above your head? Good to know that's normal.)
6. What can go wrong?
7. How will I feel after the test? (Can I return to work immediately?)
8. When will I get the results? If you don't get them, call your doc! About 7 percent of people with abnormal test results never hear about them.
9. What's the ideal result? Some medical tests are pass/fail, but many require interpretation. Circle back with your doc on what the results mean, even if they say "within the normal range."
Remember, medical care is so complex that no doc or nurse or even system can really work for you without your help. Be a smart patient, and be a partner in your own care.
