Healthy Living

Why you should bring a list of Qs to your next health visit

Speaking up and asking questions can make all the difference for your health. Bring these questions to your next appointment.

Woman and her doctor.

Your annual physical isn’t just another item on your to-do list. This regular checkup is a valuable opportunity to learn about your personal risk factors for chronic disease and create a personalized prevention plan. But with the average physician visit in the U.S. lasting less than 20 minutes, it's easy to leave with unanswered questions.

“If you’re letting your doctor do all the talking and questioning at your checkup, you’re short-changing your care,” says Robert F. Raspa, M.D., a family physician at Baptist Health in Orange Park, Florida. 

Going in prepared can help you make the most of that limited time. Here are the key questions to ask as your next appointment to say on top of your health.

1. Is my blood pressure in the healthy range?  

Elevated blood pressure is one of the earliest signs of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. So it’s important to know where your numbers fall. If you’re close to the borderline, your physician might recommend self-monitoring, lifestyle changes, or medication. 

Possible lifestyle changes may include: 

  • Eating a well-balanced, low-salt diet 
  • Limiting alcohol 
  • Staying physically active
  • Quitting smoking 
  • Keeping up with any medications you’ve been prescribed 

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2. Am I at a healthy weight for my age?  

“We want everyone in a healthy weight range,” says Dr. Raspa, “Discussing your current weight and body mass index (BMI) gives us an entry point to talk about the importance of exercise and a healthy diet.” He notes that BMI isn't a perfect measure of health, but it can be a useful tool for assessing overall risk.

3. Is there anything in my family health history that’s a concern?  

Many diseases and chronic conditions run in families. With this information, your physician can discuss preventive steps and screenings that may help reduce your risk. Be sure to bring up any new diagnoses in close family members since your last visit. 

4. What health problems should be on my radar?  

“Ideally, your doctor will bring up common health issues as part of the checkup,” says Dr. Raspa. “But if they don’t, you should.” This question helps open a conversation about your lifestyle and habits — and puts potential health concerns on your radar. 

5. Am I due for any health screenings or medical tests?  

An annual wellness visit is often when you'll find out whether it's time to schedule tests such as:

  • Bone mineral density (osteoporosis) test 
  • Colonoscopy 
  • Diabetes screening 
  • Kidney screening 
  • Liver screening 
  • Mammogram 

Don't leave your appointment without asking about these screenings. Also ask your physician whether there are others you should consider.

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6. Do I need to tweak any of my daily habits?  

If your physician hasn’t asked you about your sex life, alcohol use, or daily stress levels, take a deep breath and bring up these sensitive issues yourself. 

“We’re on your side and aren’t here to judge,” says Dr. Raspa. 

Many STIs cause no symptoms and can be spread unknowingly. When it comes to stress, your physician can share healthy strategies for managing life's challenges.
 
Also important: Excessive alcohol use is linked to chronic conditions and health problems, including: 

  • Cancer 
  • Depression 
  • Heart disease 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Liver disease 

7. Are my medications still necessary?  

Remind your physician of all prescriptions, dosages, supplements, and over-the-counter medications you take regularly. As health conditions improve and bodies can change, it may be time to reassess what you need.

8. Is this normal?  

Bodies are complicated, and many people have embarrassing symptoms they're curious or worried about. Dr.Raspa says incontinence, erectile issues, and bowel changes are among the most common terns patients hesitate to discuss.

“Go ahead and ask us,” he says. “There are good treatments for all of these issues.” 

See our sources: 
Average appointment length: Medical Care 
Blood pressure: Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic 
Family health history: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
STIs: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Alcohol linked to chronic conditions: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 

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