Questions
What to ask before agreeing to a procedure — asked in the order that makes the answers useful.
The value of a question depends on when you ask it. These are ordered so that each one makes the next one meaningful.
Before the consultation
- What is the working diagnosis, and what evidence supports it?
- Which of my symptoms does it explain, and which does it not?
- What else could produce this picture?
At the recommendation
- What specific finding is the procedure meant to address?
- What has already been tried, for how long, and how was the result measured?
- What is the success rate in your own hands, and how is success defined?
- What are the complications you personally see most often?
About the alternative
- What happens if I wait for an interval agreed with my clinician, in the most likely case?
- What would I be giving up by waiting?
- Is there a narrower version of this procedure?
About the evidence
- Has anyone else read the images themselves?
- Can I have a copy of the imaging and the report?
- What would make you change this recommendation?
Before you agree to knee surgery: seven questions, and what the trials actually found
What to ask when arthroscopic knee surgery is offered for a degenerative tear — and the trial evidence on surgery versus structured physiotherapy, including the number that matters most for deciding.
Same doctor, different hospital: is that a second opinion?
Changing the setting and obtaining another clinician's assessment are different choices. Clarify who will review the case, what they will review and what question they will answer.
What should a written second opinion answer?
A printable question sheet for understanding the scope, reasoning, alternatives and unanswered questions in a written medical opinion.
When two medical opinions disagree, compare the questions first
Separate differences in records, interpretation, options and priorities before discussing conflicting recommendations with your clinicians.
What to prepare for a second opinion
Bring a clear question, relevant records and the decision you face. Use this worksheet to organise the review without assuming it will change the answer.