“Requesting” means that you ask your doctor or health care provider questions to find out what you need to know about your condition, what treatment is recommended, how successful it might be, what the risks are, if there are any other things you can do, and when treatment should begin.
For example, if your doctor prescribes medicine, ask him or her:
• How will this medicine help me?
• How long do I have to take it?
• Does it have any side effects? Which ones should I let you know about?
• Are there other things I can do to help my condition without taking this medication?
• Is there anything I should do or not do while taking the medicine?
Get all of your questions answered when you are with your doctor or health care provider. If you forget to ask something, don’t hesitate to call his or her office when you get home.
