What questions should I ask my primary care provider (PCP)?
Before your visit, take a few minutes to think about what you want to ask your primary care provider (PCP). Writing down your questions ahead of time can help you stay focused so you don’t forget anything important.
Here are questions you may want to consider, based on age and health topics:
Adults
- How is my overall health based on today’s exam and my medical history?
- What is my risk for chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes?
- Are there any early signs of health issues I should be aware of?
- What lifestyle changes should I make?
- Are all my current medications still necessary and effective?
- Are there any interactions or side effects I should watch for?
- Are vitamins healthy?
- What vitamins or home remedies do you suggest?
- What screening and tests should I get based on my health history, age, or gender?
- What is the purpose of screenings and tests?
- What should I do to prepare? (e.g. avoid certain foods or medication)
- What do the results mean?
- How accurate are the screening and test results?
Find more information about screenings and tests based on age and gender.
- Are vaccines safe?
- What are the side effects?
- What factors should I consider when deciding to get vaccinated?
Find more information about vaccines based on age and gender.
- How can I manage stress, anxiety, or sleep issues better?
- Are there mental health screenings I should consider?
- How do I find a mental health specialist? What type of mental support is right for me? (psychiatrist, social worker, psychologist)
- How much physical activity should I get each week?
- As I get older should I be screened for memory loss/dementia?
- What changes can I make to improve my diet, exercise, or sleep?
- What are some healthy goals I should set for myself?
- When should I schedule my next check-up or screening?
- How do I know when to call you or get care?
- How can I contact you or your office if I have questions after this visit?
Children
- Is my child’s growth and development on track for their age?
- Are there any concerns with my child’s height, weight, or Body Mass Index (BMI)?
- Is my child growing and developing like they should for their age?
- What vaccines does my child need?
- Is it safe to get my child vaccinated?
- What is the risk of not getting my child vaccinated?
- Is my child’s diet appropriate for their age and activity level?
- Are there any vitamins or supplements they should be taking?
- How much physical activity should they get every day?
- Are my child’s behaviors and emotions typical for their age?
- Should I be concerned about anxiety or depression, mood swings, or attention issues?
- How can I support their mental and emotional well-being?
- Does my child have signs of anxiety, ADHD, or other chronic conditions?
- Is my child getting enough sleep for their age?
- When is it time to switch from a car seat to a booster seat (or to a regular seat)?
- What steps should I take at home to make sure my kids are safe while playing at home or participating in sports?
- What infectious diseases are currently spreading, and how can I protect my child?
- Is my child showing signs of early or delayed puberty?
- What should I expect in the coming years?
- When/how should I discuss safe sex with my child?
- How can I support my child’s learning and social development?
- How do I know if my child has autism?
- Should I be concerned about screen time?
- Bring up other specific concerns like you've noticed—like frequent fatigue, allergies, unusual (picky) eating, or other concerns.
- Does my child need a physical and vaccines before going back to school in the fall?
- When should I schedule my child’s next visit?
- How will I know when to call you or get care?
- How can I contact you if I have questions after this visit?