Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your GI Condition

Home » Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your GI Condition » General GI Patient Information

Download/Print this page (PDF)

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your GI Condition

Here are questions to ask your medical team when you have stomach problems or conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or digestive system. Don't be shy about speaking with your doctor and medical team because asking the right questions can help you manage your condition and improve your outcome.

Many digestive disorders are common conditions that may require prompt diagnosis and treatment. The more knowledge you have about your GI condition, the easier it is to make decisions about your treatment.

Print this page, check off the questions you would like answered, and give it to your doctor, physician's assistant (PA), nurse, or other member of your health care team.

Questions to ask about your GI condition

• What is the name of my condition? Are there any other names for it? (For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is also known as chronic heartburn.)
• How severe is my condition?
• Is my condition long-lasting (i.e., chronic)? Is it hereditary or related to my environment or lifestyle?
• What complications may I experience?
• Does my condition increase my risk for developing any other medical problems?

Questions to ask about diagnostic tests

• Will a board-certified gastroenterologist (specialist in diseases of the GI tract) be performing my diagnostic test?
• If not board certified, has my doctor completed a fellowship program or received special training in gastroenterology?
• About how many of these procedures has my doctor performed? About how many does he/she perform each month?
• How should I prepare for this diagnostic test?
• How long will the test take?
• Will I be able to drive myself home immediately following the test?
• Are there any side effects or complications associated with this diagnostic test?
• If my test detects an abnormality, what will be the course of action? May abnormal tissue be removed during the procedure?
• How long will it take to get the results of the test? Should I call for the results, or will someone contact me? Telephone # to call: When to call: Date: Time:

Questions to ask about your treatment

Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your GI Condition Resources

	Join Our Patient Information (GI) Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. June 1st is National Cancer Survivors Day Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read cancer survivor stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Take this test. Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer