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Questions for a follow-up appointment

Follow-up appointments are short. These questions make sure you leave with the results, the plan and the reasoning.

When to use this list: Routine follow-up appointments, and results appointments.

Follow-up appointments can be over in ten minutes, and it is easy to leave without asking the thing you came for. Pick the four or five questions that matter most to you today and put them at the top.

Questions are stored on this device only.

Results

  • What did the scan or test show, in plain terms?
  • Has anything changed since last time?
  • Was anything indeterminate or incidental, and what happens about it?
  • Can I have a copy of the report?
  • When is the next test, and who books it?

The plan

  • What is the plan until my next appointment?
  • What would change that plan?
  • How much longer will follow-up continue?
  • Am I still on the same medication and dose, and for how long?

Symptoms I have noticed

Bring dates and frequencies rather than impressions.

  • I have had [symptom] since [date], happening [how often] — is that expected?
  • Should I be worried about it, and what would make it worth reporting again?
  • Can anything be done to treat it?
  • Is it related to my cancer, my treatment, or something else entirely?

Living with it

  • My energy is still not back — is that normal at this point?
  • Can I be referred for rehabilitation, physiotherapy or psychological support?
  • Are there any restrictions on exercise, travel or work?
  • Do I need any vaccinations, and are there any I should avoid?
  • Do I need any monitoring for late effects?

Before I leave

  • Who do I contact if something changes, and on what number?
  • What symptoms warrant contacting you before the next appointment?
  • When will I hear about the next appointment, and what should I do if I do not?

In the room

  • Write your top three questions on a single card. Hand it over if talking is hard.
  • Note symptoms with dates in the weeks beforehand — My Journey can hold this on your device.
  • Repeat back what you have understood: "So the plan is… have I got that right?"
  • Ask for the results in writing, and ask what to do if they do not arrive.

These questions are general prompts, not medical advice, and your team knows your situation. If something here does not apply to you, leave it out. Medical disclaimer.

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