Questions to Ask Your Primary Care Doctor
Primary care doctors handle checkups, common symptoms, chronic conditions, and preventive care. Use this checklist to prepare before your visit.
Whether you're visiting for a routine checkup, addressing a new symptom, or managing a chronic condition, these questions will help you make the most of your appointment.
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Essential Questions by Topic
Browse questions organized by common visit types and topics
A.General Health & Checkup
- Is my overall health where it should be for my age?
- Are there any screenings or vaccines I should get now?
- What health risks should I be aware of?
- Are my weight, blood pressure, and labs normal?
- How often should I schedule follow-up visits?
B.Symptoms & Concerns
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- Are these symptoms something to worry about?
- What tests do I need, if any?
- When should I come back if symptoms don't improve?
- Are there warning signs I should watch for?
C.Medications & Treatment
- Do I need medication for this condition?
- What are the side effects?
- Are there non-medication alternatives?
- How long should I take this?
- Can this interact with my current medications or supplements?
D.Chronic Conditions (if applicable)
- Is my condition well controlled?
- Do I need to adjust my treatment plan?
- What lifestyle changes can help?
- How often should I monitor this?
- When should I see a specialist?
E.Prevention & Lifestyle
- What changes can I make to improve my health?
- Should I change my diet or exercise routine?
- How does stress or sleep affect my condition?
- Are there preventive steps I should start now?
F.Next Steps & Follow-Up
- What are the next steps after today's visit?
- When will I get my test results?
- Should I see a specialist?
- When should I schedule my next appointment?
Special Scenarios
Questions tailored for specific visit types and situations
First Visit with a New Primary Care Doctor
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
- How do I transfer my medical records?
- What is your approach to preventive care?
- How do you prefer to communicate (phone, email, portal)?
- What should I know about your practice?
Annual Physical Exam
- What screenings do I need based on my age and gender?
- Are all my vaccinations up to date?
- What lifestyle changes should I consider?
- Are there any new health guidelines I should follow?
- What is my risk for common conditions?
Lab Results Review
- What do these test results mean?
- Are any results concerning or abnormal?
- Do I need follow-up tests?
- What should I do differently based on these results?
- When should I retest?
Preventive Care Visit
- What preventive screenings should I schedule?
- Are there vaccines I'm missing?
- What can I do to prevent future health problems?
- How can I improve my overall wellness?
- What resources are available for health maintenance?
Browse Questions by Specialty
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About This Resource
This question checklist has been developed based on common patient needs and healthcare communication best practices. The questions are designed to help you prepare effectively for your primary care appointment and make the most of your limited time with your doctor.
Content Sources
Our questions are based on recommendations from healthcare communication guidelines, patient advocacy resources, and common concerns identified in primary care settings. We regularly review and update our content to ensure relevance.
Last Updated
2026-01-01 | This page is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current healthcare communication best practices.
Note: WhatToAskDoctor is not a medical service provider. These questions are tools to help you prepare for appointments and improve communication with your healthcare provider. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment decisions.
Medical Disclaimer: These questions are general guidelines to help you prepare for your appointment. Always discuss your specific health concerns with your healthcare provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.