Questions to ask your doctor

To aid you as you prepare, we have compiled a set of questions to ask your doctor to get the most out of your upcoming visit.

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Primary Care Physician

  • Do I have GERD?
  • What tests are done to confirm GERD?
  • How serious is my condition? Am I at risk for additional complications?
  • Can something else be causing my symptoms?
  • Are there any other symptoms that I can expect? Any symptoms I should report to you immediately?
  • What lifestyle or diet changes can I make to improve my condition?
  • Are there treatment options available for GERD?
  • Does my medical history limit any of my treatment options?
  • Will over-the-counter medicines help? If so, which would you recommend?
  • Would prescribed medications be better? Why or why not?
  • Should I consider testing for Barrett’s esophagus?
  • What can I expect from those tests?
  • Will you do the tests or will I need to be referred to a specialist?
  • Will I need regular exams in the future? If so, how often and for how long?
  • How much do the tests cost? Are they typically covered by my insurance?
  • Am I at risk for cancer?
  • Can you explain why this medication is right for me?
  • How does it work? Will I be able to tell if it is working?
  • Will this medicine cure me?
  • How much will this medication cost?
  • Will my insurance cover it?
  • Will I need to take this prescription medicine long-term? If so, how long?
  • What will happen if I don't take it?
  • Can I expect side effects? Are there any that I should report to you immediately?
  • What should I do if I miss a dose?
  • Should I be concerned about taking this with my other medications?
  • What signs should I look for if my medications are interacting with each other?

Gastrointestinal Doctor

  • What tests do we need to do? What should I expect?
  • How long have you been doing these tests?
  • Will the test be done in the hospital or in your office?
  • How long do the tests take?
  • Will I be awake? If not, how long will I be asleep?
  • Do the tests require samples for a biopsy?
  • Are there potential complications from the tests?
  • What if I don’t take the tests?
  • Is there anything that I need to do to prepare for the procedure?
  • How long will it take for me to recover?
  • How soon will I know the results of the tests?
  • How much will the tests cost? Is it typically covered by my insurance?
  • Do I have Barrett’s esophagus? If so, how serious is it?
  • How was the diagnosis confirmed?
  • Do you recommend another exam?
  • How much of my esophagus is affected?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • Are there any new treatments that we can consider?
  • Will you conduct the treatments or will you refer me to someone else?
  • What result do you expect from the treatment? How will I know that it is working?
  • Will the treatment cure my condition? If not, are there other treatments that might?
  • What can I expect of the treatment?
  • Will I need to stay in the hospital? If so, how long?
  • Are there any possible side effects? Are there any that I should report to you immediately?
  • What do I need to do to prepare for the treatment?
  • Will I need to do anything after the treatment?
  • Will I still need to continue my medications?
  • Will there be any additional follow-up testing after the treatment?
  • If I want a second opinion, do you have any recommendations?
  • How much do the treatments cost? Which treatments are typically covered by my insurance?
  • What will happen if I decide to opt out of treatment?
  • Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
  • Am I at risk of cancer?