You're probably used to answering your doctor's questions — not asking your own. But you have the right to ask questions too. In fact, you should: It's your body. These questions can help you start conversations about common health problems and concerns. You may want to jot down a list and bring it to your doctor's appointment. You don't have to ask all of the questions — or even any of them — but you can use them as a guide. Questions for establishing open communication with your doctor: Will you keep any information I give you confidential? Is it OK for me to see you without my parents in the room? If I need to, can I see you without my parents knowing about the visit? Questions about an illness or symptom: What's wrong with me? Can you draw me a picture or show me what's wrong? What causes this type of problem? Is this serious? Will there be any long-term effects of this problem? Can I give this illness to someone else, and if so, how and for how long? Are there any activities or foods I should avoid until I'm better? When can I return to school or work? How can I prevent this from happening again? Questions about medicines: What does this medicine do? What will happen if I don't take it? Should I stop the medicine if I feel back to normal? What are the side effects? How long should I take it? What if I accidentally miss a dose? If I don't notice any improvement, how long should I wait before calling you? Questions about tests and treatments: Why is this test needed? How soon must I get the test? What will happen if I don't get the test? Are there any risks involved? Will it hurt? If so, is there anything we can do to lessen the pain? Can you perform the test or treatment in your office, or will I need to go to a lab or other facility? Are there any side effects? How should I prepare for the test or treatment? What side effects or changes should I report to you? The more questions you ask, the more you'll discover about your body. And when you know what's going on with your body, you can take better control of your own health — today and in the future. Back to Articles Related Articles Electronic Health Records Because EHRs improve how well your doctors talk to each other and coordinate your treatment, they can enhance your medical care. Get the facts on electronic health records. Read More Managing Your Medical Care Visit our center on managing your medical care for advice on how to get involved in taking charge of your health and choosing the right health care providers. Read More Health Insurance Basics Taking charge of your own health care is a big step, and it can be a little overwhelming. Here's a quick crash course on insurance for teens. Read More Health Insurance: Cracking the Code Health insurance has a language all its own. This article for teens explains what some key terms mean. Read More Choosing Your Own Doctor You deserve medical care from someone who helps you feel comfortable and understood. Get tips on finding the best doctor for you. Read More Talking to Your Doctor Your best resource for health information and advice is your doctor - the person who knows you, your medical history, and accurate medical information to answer your questions. Read More Your Medical Records Each time you hop up on a doctor's exam table, somebody makes a note in your medical records. There may come a time when you need your medical information, so find out how to get it and how it's protected. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.