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When you are under a doctor’s care for an illness or are hospitalized, you will have tests and procedures performed to help in your diagnosis. Keep a list of the tests that have already been completed, tests that have been scheduled, and tests that need to be scheduled. You will want to gather information including the reason each test was ordered, the date of the test, the date the results are received, the meaning of the results, what treatment will be recommended, and the risks and benefits of the proposed treatment.

Ask your doctor if there are alternative tests that could be considered, and why the particular tests were chosen over others. It may be that there are tests that would be useful in your case, but they are not available at the lab or the hospital in your area. In that case, check with your doctor to see if he or she would recommend going to a different area to obtain those tests.

There may be further tests that are scheduled in order to help diagnose your disease or condition, so that a treatment plan can be developed for you. You will also want to know whom to contact to schedule the test; the location of the lab or hospital; how to prepare for the test; when the results will be ready; whom to contact to receive the test results; and when you will next see your doctor.

It is important to remember that some tests require special preparation. You may be required to be fasting for a certain period of time and/or to withhold water. You may even be required to have a fasting blood test, then another blood test one some hours later after a meal. Sometimes the directions for the test are not clear, and it is a good idea to check ahead of time with your doctor or the lab.

In some cases, after all tests and procedures have been performed, you may want to see if a clinical trial would be appropriate for you. Ask your doctor to research for a clinical trial for your condition. Even if it is only available out of your geographic area, you may be willing to relocate temporarily for treatment.

Always check before all procedures and tests to be sure of your insurance coverage and to see if you need pre-approval. When you call your insurance company, write down the date, whom you talked to, and what was said. Also make sure you write down the number you called and the direct line or extension number for the person you spoke with. You may have been transferred several times during the call and it can be very difficult to get back to the same person if you need to.

When you have a complete record of the results of tests, and which medical tests remain to be done, you will be able to discuss your treatment options with your doctor and feel more in control of your care.

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SmallTown Duo, owned by Sibyl Day and Mary Benson, specializes in medical and legal books for consumers. They publish a popular book called “What Did the Doctor Say? A Guide for Leaving the Hospital.” The book covers topics such as questions to ask about your diagnosis, medications, doctor visits, and avoiding common medical errors. For more information, visit their website. http://www.SmallTownDuo.com