Smart Decisions: Know Your Options

Shared Decisions About Other Health Issues

Every solution to a health issue has benefits and risks. Only you can decide if the benefits are worth the risks.

Learn the facts

• What is the solution? Get a description of the solution.
• Why does your doctor think you need to try this solution?
• Are there other options besides this particular solution?
• Is this solution the common treatment for this problem? Are there other solutions to this health issue?

Consider the risks and benefits

• How does your doctor think this solution will work for you?
• What is the success rate? What does success mean to your doctor? What does success mean to you?
• What can go wrong? How often does this happen?

Ask about costs

• How much does the solution cost? How can you find out?
• Are there other costs to the solution, such as equipment or therapy?

Talk to your doctor

• How much does the problem really bother you?
• What are your concerns about the solution?
• Do you prefer to try the solution or another way of treating the problem?

Decision Points are designed to guide you through key health decisions, combining medical information with your personal information to make a wise health decision. See a list of Decision Points about treatments and other issues.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: May 1, 2008
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.