Questions to take into the conversation

Ask about the goal before the product

• Which health problem is this treatment meant to address?

• What benefit would count as worthwhile in my case?

• Which alternatives could we talk through?

• What would make you advise against this treatment?

Ask for the full name and how it is taken

• What is this medicine’s full name, and how is it taken: by injection, as a tablet, or another way?

• Does it have product approval, or will it be prepared to order?

• Why is that product being considered for me?

• Which pharmacy will handle it?

The initials FDA refer to the Food and Drug Administration. A medicine prepared to order is called compounded.

FDA says compounded medicines have not been approved or checked by the agency for benefits, harms, and quality before sale.

If that is the proposal, ask what need the change meets.

Ask about the next steps after a visit

• What would the whole plan cost, including later care?

• What tests or checks do you want to arrange?

• How can I ask questions after the appointment?

• Who handles a problem between visits?

• When will we review whether the plan fits?

Medical-board guidance says you need a way to ask the person treating you more questions.

A follow-up is a later check on how the plan is going. Ask for the next step in writing so you do not have to remember it all.