What questions should I ask during my CT scan results appointment?

Questions to Ask During Your CT Scan Results Appointment

You should prepare open-ended questions about what the scan shows, what it means for your health, and what happens next, while ensuring your doctor explains results in simple language you can understand.

Before the Appointment: Prepare Your Questions

• Write down your main concerns and what you most want to know about the scan results 1
• Consider using a question prompt list to organize your thoughts before the visit 1
• Bring a family member or friend who can help you remember what's discussed 1

Essential Questions About Your Scan Results

Understanding What Was Found

• "Can you show me the actual scan images and point out what you're seeing?" - Studies show that when doctors display and explain scan/X-ray results directly to patients, it significantly increases patient understanding and engagement 2
• "What exactly did the CT scan show?" 1
• "Are there any abnormalities, and if so, what are they?" 1
• "How does this compare to what you expected to find?" 1

Understanding What It Means

• "What does this diagnosis mean for my health?" 1
• "Is this condition serious?" 1
• "What caused this?" 1
• "Could this affect other parts of my body?" 1

Understanding Next Steps

• "What are my treatment options?" 1
• "What happens if I don't treat this?" 1
• "Do I need any additional tests or scans?" 1
• "When do I need to follow up?" 1
• "Are there alternatives to the recommended treatment?" 3

How to Ask for Clear Explanations

Request Simple Language

• Ask your doctor to avoid medical jargon and explain things in everyday terms 1
• If you hear terms you don't understand, immediately ask: "Can you explain what that word means?" 1
• Request that complex information be broken down into smaller pieces 1

Confirm Your Understanding

• Use the "teach-back" method: "Let me make sure I understand - can I explain back to you what I think you said?" 1
• Ask: "What should I tell my family about what we discussed today?" 1
• Don't hesitate to ask the same question multiple times if you're still unclear 1

Questions About Risks and Radiation (If Relevant)

While most patients are not informed about radiation risks from CT scans 4, you have the right to ask:

• "Was there radiation exposure from this scan?" 3, 4
• "Are there any risks I should know about from having this scan?" 3
• "Will I need more scans in the future?" 1

Important Communication Strategies

Express Your Emotions and Concerns

• Share how you're feeling about the results: "I'm worried about..." or "I'm confused about..." 1
• Your doctor should acknowledge and respond to your emotions empathically 1

Clarify the Timeline

• "How urgent is this situation?" 1
• "How much time do I have to make decisions about treatment?" 1
• "When will I start to feel better?" 1

Ask About Support

• "What resources are available to help me?" 1
• "Can I contact you if I have more questions after I leave?" 1
• "Who else will be involved in my care?" 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't leave without understanding the key findings - if you're confused, keep asking questions until it makes sense 1
• Don't assume you'll remember everything - take notes or ask if you can record the conversation 1
• Don't be afraid to ask "basic" questions - your doctor should explain things at a level you can understand, regardless of your education 1
• Don't agree to next steps you don't understand - make sure you know why each recommendation is being made 1

What Your Doctor Should Do

Your physician should 1:

• Sit down and make eye contact with you
• Ask what you already understand about your condition
• Explain results in simple, jargon-free language
• Check frequently that you understand what's being discussed
• Respond empathically to your concerns
• Provide information relevant to your specific goals and values
• Document the important parts of your discussion in your medical record