Seeing your doctor? Don’t forget your question list

A growing body of research finds educated consumers receive more effective care and they also often see lower overall costs.

What’s the secret to being an educated health care consumer? The first step is to make sure you’ve prepared a list of questions before you talk with your doctor or health care provider.

Key questions might include:

• What is this test for?
• Is this test/treatment necessary?
• How many times have you done this procedure?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has developed lists of questions to ask before, during and after your appointment. You’ll find them on the agency’s website.