Preliminary Questions for "Patient's Deck of Cards"

Patient’s Deck of Cards evolved from user feedback and ideas. Please send yours by clicking the Contact Us link above.

Patient’s Deck of Cards

* Am I on medicine that’s too addictive? Is there anything else I could take?

* I’m 70, and my anti-anxiety medicine doesn’t have bad side effects. Why shouldn’t I take it?

* Could this procedure be less for my benefit than to pay off expensive equipment?

* Would you say there’s a time I’ll be able to put this illness behind me?

* Would you advise your wife or loved one to take this treatment?

* How were the final days for others you took care of with my disease?

* Did you ever go to the funeral of a patient?

* I understand what you said, but I’d like to wait to decide.

* I would like to have fewer visits and work ups.

* I do not want this treatment.

* If it’s advertised on TV, I don’t want it.

* Do you mind my getting a second opinion?

* Would it bother you if I went outside and screamed?

* Are you to be my primary care doctor?

* I agree to do ___ when you tell me it’s reimbursed by insurance.

* Do you really think the side effects that began when I started taking this drug are a coincidence?

* What about travel? Being in a different place would make me feel better.

* Why is it so necessary I be part of a study or program?

* Can I tell you something I think is relevant?

* Members of Group Health in Seattle can e-mail their doctor whenever they want and get summaries of the discussion from their last visit. Will you do that for me?

* I know you want me to take more chemotherapy. But I don’t want to.

* Why should I pay for office visits if you’re trying experimental treatment on me?

* I think I need help moving to a smaller place.

* Will you respond if I mail you a postcard with a question?

* Could I get a sample of this medicine before filling the prescription?

* How long will it take to get the test results, and how will you let me know when they’re ready?

* How much time do we have today? When could I get a half hour to address my questions?

* Could you call my family member before I leave and share what you’ve told me?

* Can you draw a picture to help explain?

* Why are the drug reps let in to see you ahead of patients?

* Could we talk about something off topic for a few minutes?

* If I do nothing, will there be pain? What could you do about it?

* What questions should I have asked you but I didn’t?

* Who is the back-up person who covers for you when you’re not here?

* Why do this surgery?

* How easy-- what would it take-- to "pull the plug" if things don't go well?

* Suppose I feel too tired to muster the energy to see the procedure through?

* Reading my "living will," did you have any questions about my wishes?

* Is it necessary to be hospitalized or is there another choice?

* Will this procedure increase my family member’s comfort?

* Is he/she a candidate for hospice care?

* What are the chances the procedure will succeed?

* Will the procedure improve the quality of his/her life?

* What are the side effects?

* What’s the downside to putting the procedure off?

* If I take the treatment, might the quality of my life be so bad I’d wish I were dead?

* What justifies the risk of trying something this new on a person my age?

* Could it benefit another for me to participate in this study?

* What are the alternatives?

* Will it hurt?

* How long is recovery?

* What is the worst outcome possible?

* What percent of patients fully recover?

* How many patients don’t survive this treatment?

* Would you help me if I were in a terminal situation, with no hope of recovering and wanted to end my pain and suffering— by following the wishes in my living will?

* Could you outline all the possible outcomes of this procedure, understanding I only want to do what’s reasonable in the long term?

* Should I believe what I read on the Internet?

*Why do you think Americans are bedeviled by the idea of old age, and let some doctors and pharmaceutical firms play into the fear?

* By how long could my life be extended by joining this study, and by how much could it be shortened?

* What is the cost and will it be covered either by my insurance company or Medicare?

* Could I do it cheaper elsewhere?

* What is the relationship of this hospital with the drug’s manufacturer?

* What’s a good website where I can find out more about this disorder?

* Is it a standard dose you’re prescribing for me or has it been adjusted to my weight?

* What’s the leading hospital in the U.S. for treatment of this disease?

* Could you give me the names of three experts on my illness, including two who disagree on the best treatment?

* I will have questions later. Who may I call?

* I’m not trying to second guess you, but it’s important to me that my doctor understand how I feel…

* I am told I have Blank Disease, I think my friend died from it and had no quality of life. I would like to hear if treatment will benefit me.

* You promise to control my pain, how? If that doesn't work, what then?

* My skin is like parchment paper, why and what can I do to help?

Doctor’s Cards

* There are some choices. Do you want me to run through them so you can think about it, or just tell you what I think is best?

* Is your family involved? Could we make a call and alert them?

* Are you comfortable having me for your doctor, or do you want to consult another?

* How long has it been since you thought about serious illness? A living will? Durable power of attorney? A Do Not Resuscitate order?

* Can you list for me all the pills you’re taking that every one of your doctors has prescribed?

*Would you rather keep having regular appointments, keep a close eye on your condition, but not follow a treatment plan at this time?

* It used to be physicians could provide tests for patients just to set their minds at rest, but your health plan won’t let me order them for that reason.

* I understand you’re worried about whether things are OK. You’re concerned that I’m not ordering tests because they’re too expensive. To set your mind at rest-- I truly don’t think the test is necessary.

Cards from Family

* I find myself roaming stores to find you the perfect pajamas, sweater, slippers. I want to clean your house from top to bottom, paint it inside and out, then tackle the yard. But this may not be what you want, so tell me: do you want me to stay with you? Go away and come back? Or maybe for us to take a trip?

* Though we occasionally disagree, I can’t picture my life without you and want only to do the things you want.

* Will you please give your doctor permission to talk to me?