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25 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
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10 Q's FOR: INTERVIEWING HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
Here are some useful questions to ask, (respectfully, of course,) when considering a new practitioner:

1. How long have you been in practice?
2. What is your strength and which areas interest you most?
3. Why did you become a thoracic surgeon? (allergist... therapist, etc.)
4. Where did you study? (residencies, fellowships, etc.)
5. What hours are you in, and what's the after-hours procedure in your practice?
6. What is your greatest satisfaction/frustration in medicine today?
7. Which healing arts are you familiar with?
8. With which hospitals are you affiliated?
9. Do you accept my insurance? What is your billing procedure?
10.MENTAL NOTE: Did (s)he: a) Firmly shake your hand?  b) Look into your eyes? c) Seem friendly and interested? d) Put you at ease? e) Feel like someone you could talk to if faced with a crisis?

15 MORE Q's TO ASK REGARDING TREATMENT & PROCEDURES
Bring a pen and paper and take some notes. You may forget some of the answers.

1. What is the specific, intended action of this treatment?
(e.g. Increase white cell production to fight infection? Gargle with salt to make a hostile environment for bacteria? Moist heat to release spasm? Ice to reduce   inflammation?  See? Big difference! Then USE it in your mind/body imagery to support the protocol.)
2.  How long have you been prescribing and monitoring this treatment?
3.  These are all the medications I am presently taking. Are there are contraindications?
4.  What are the most common side-effects and what causes them to occur?
5.  How can I minimize or prevent those side-effects? (e.g. Taken with/without food, not with dairy, only at bedtime, etc.)
6.  May I please have some literature about this treatment?
7.  How and when will I know if this treatment is working?
9.  How can I speak with 2-3 people who have used this treatment?
10. What other options do I have for this problem?
11. Can I get financial assistance with this treatment?
12. What outcome can I realistically hope for as a result?
13. Are there any serious risks and if so, what are the danger- indicators?
14. What would you recommend if I were your sister/brother/ spouse/child?
15. How can I reach you with questions if they arise?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mind/body stress-relief facilitator Susie Mantell's has been featured in The Los Angeles Times, NBC and ABC TV.  Subscribe to Susie's FREE monthly stress tips at http://www.relaxintuit.com

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