What questions should a patient or their relative ask during a CT scan results appointment?

Essential Questions for CT Scan Results Appointments

Patients and relatives should prepare specific questions about the scan findings, what they mean for diagnosis and next steps, treatment options if abnormalities are found, and clarification of any medical terminology used during the discussion. 1, 2

Before the Appointment: Preparation Strategies

• Write down your questions in advance using a prioritized list, as research shows patients who prepare questions are more likely to get their information needs met 3
• Bring a support person or family member, as companions ask more questions (62% of questions in medical consultations) and help with information processing 2
• Request adequate uninterrupted time in a private location if discussing potentially serious findings 1, 2

Core Questions About the Scan Findings

Understanding What Was Found

• "What exactly did the CT scan show?" - Ask for simple, direct language without medical jargon 1, 2
• "Can you show me the images and point out what you're seeing?" - Visual explanation of scan results increases patient question-asking and involvement 4
• "Is this finding normal, abnormal, or uncertain?" - Seek clear categorization 2
• "How confident are you in this finding?" - Understand the certainty level 1

Implications for Diagnosis

• "What does this finding mean for my diagnosis?" - Connect the imaging to your clinical condition 1, 3
• "Are there other possible explanations for what you're seeing?" - Explore differential diagnoses 2
• "Do I need additional tests to confirm this finding?" - The most frequently chosen question in patient question lists 3
• "How does this compare to my previous scans (if applicable)?" - Understand progression or changes 4

Questions About Next Steps and Treatment

Immediate Actions Required

• "What are the immediate next steps?" - Get clear, concrete action items 2
• "How urgent is this situation?" - Understand timing and priority 1
• "Do I need to see a specialist, and if so, how quickly?" - Clarify referral needs 2
• "Are there any restrictions or precautions I should take while waiting for next steps?" - Address safety concerns 1

Treatment and Management Options

• "What are my treatment options?" - Shared decision-making questions comprise 40% of patient priorities 3
• "What are the benefits and risks of each option?" - Essential for informed decision-making 1, 5
• "What happens if I choose not to pursue treatment?" - Understand natural history 1
• "How will this affect my quality of life?" - Address functional outcomes 5

Questions About Prognosis and Future Monitoring

• "What is the expected outcome with and without treatment?" - Frame outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life 5
• "Will I need follow-up scans, and how often?" - Understand surveillance plans 1
• "What symptoms should prompt me to seek immediate care?" - Identify warning signs 1
• "How will we know if treatment is working?" - Establish monitoring criteria 5

Ensuring Understanding and Follow-Up

Checking Your Comprehension

• "Let me repeat back what I understood - is this correct?" - Use teach-back method to confirm understanding 1, 2
• "Can you write down the key points for me?" - Request written summary 1
• "What medical terms should I understand, and what do they mean?" - Avoid leaving with unexplained jargon 1, 2

Planning Communication

• "How and when will I get the full written report?" - Establish documentation timeline 6
• "Who should I contact if I have questions after this appointment?" - Ensure availability for follow-up 1, 2
• "What should I tell my family about what we discussed?" - Prepare for communicating with loved ones 1
• "Can I contact you if I think of more questions later?" - Confirm ongoing access 1

Special Considerations for Concerning Findings

If the scan reveals potentially serious findings:

• "Is this cancer or could it be cancer?" - Ask directly for clarity rather than accepting euphemisms 2
• "What stage or severity is this?" - Understand disease extent, but recognize this may require additional testing 2
• "What resources or support services are available?" - Access supportive care alongside disease-directed information 5
• "Should I get a second opinion?" - Understand if this is appropriate 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't leave without understanding the key findings - 45% of patients want to ask about results but may not if not given the opportunity 7
• Don't accept information overload - Request information in small chunks and ask the doctor to slow down if overwhelmed 1, 2
• Don't suppress emotions to appear "strong" - Expressing concerns helps doctors address what matters most to you 1
• Don't assume you'll remember everything - Take notes or ask permission to record the conversation 2

Regarding Radiation Exposure Questions

If concerned about radiation from the CT scan itself:

• "What was my radiation exposure from this scan?" - CT doses are 10-100 times lower than levels shown to increase cancer risk 8
• "Do I need to limit future scans?" - Discuss appropriate utilization while avoiding unnecessary imaging 1