Get more involved with your health care by asking questions, talking to your clinician and understanding your condition. Patients and families who engage with healthcare providers ask good questions and help reduce the risk of errors and hospital admissions.

A simple question can help you feel better, let you take better care of yourself or save your life. These ten questions below can get you started.

1. What is the test for?
2. How many times have you done this procedure?
3. When will I get the results?
4. Why do I need this treatment?
5. Are there any alternatives?
6. What are the possible complications?
7. Which hospital is best for my needs?
8. How do you spell the name of that drug?
9. Are there any side effects?
10. Will this medicine interact with medicines that I’m already taking?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) believes that Questions Are the Answer. Learn more questions you should ask your doctor before, during and after your visit from AHRQ.gov.

atom Alliance works with healthcare providers to improve healthcare quality for patients. You can find more resources from the Alliance here.