Ask why a test is being proposed
Take each proposed test in turn. Ask what question it answers and what the clinician would do with the result.
- What are we trying to find out?
- How could the result change the plan?
- Is it needed before a decision can be made?
- Where would it be done, and is the charge separate?
- Can results I already have help answer the question?
Ask who reviews the result
Medical-board guidance says that if proper assessment needs a test, the doctor must complete it, arrange it or refer for it.
The organisation behind this advice is the Federation of State Medical Boards; its members are state medical boards. It is advice for states to consider, rather than a testing law that applies across the country.
- Who receives the result?
- Who explains what it means for me?
- How do I find out if the result has not arrived?
- What happens while we are waiting for more information?
Make the review more than a refill question
Ask what the follow-up conversation will cover. Put your goal back into that discussion, rather than focusing only on the next supply of medicine.
- How will we look at whether this is helping with my original concern?
- What changes would prompt another assessment?
- Who can answer questions between planned reviews?
- How would a change of plan be explained in writing?
- Who needs a copy of the updated plan?