Your Voice Matters

Questions Families Can Ask Their Doctors

You have the right to understand, to ask questions, and to make choices that feel right for your family.

1. Understanding the Diagnosis

For Parents

• What is the diagnosis in plain language?

   

• How certain are you about this diagnosis?

   

• Are there other possible explanations for these symptoms?

   

• What tests confirm this diagnosis, and are they required now?

   

For Children (Kid-Friendly)

• What do you think is happening in my body?

   

• Can you explain it in a way I can understand?

   

• Is this something that will go away or something I’ll learn to manage?

   

2. Understanding the Recommended Treatment

For Parents

• What is the standard treatment, and why is it commonly used?

   

• What is the goal of this treatment?

   

• How soon do we need to decide?

   

• What happens if we choose to wait or monitor instead?

   

For Children

• What will this treatment do to help me?

   

• Will it hurt or feel uncomfortable?

   

• How long will it last?

   

3. Exploring All Options (Not Just One)

For Parents

• What are all available treatment options?

   

• Are there less invasive or alternative approaches?

   

• What are the benefits and risks of each option?

   

• Are there non-medical or supportive therapies we can consider?

   

For Children

• Are there different ways to help me feel better?

   

• Can I choose between options?

   

• What happens if I don’t like how one option feels?

   

4. Risks, Side Effects, and Long-Term Impact

For Parents

• What are the short-term and long-term side effects?

   

• How might this affect my child’s growth, development, or emotions?

   

• Are there risks that are rare but serious?

   

• How will we know if the treatment is not working?

   

For Children

• Are there any bad feelings I might have?

   

• What should I tell you if something doesn’t feel right?

   

• Can we stop if I feel scared or sick?

   

5. Personal Beliefs, Values, and Boundaries

For Parents

• Are there treatment options that align with our family’s beliefs?

   

• Can this plan be adjusted to respect our values?

   

• Are there components of this treatment that are optional?

   

• Can we say no to parts of the protocol?

   

For Children

• Do I have to do anything I’m not comfortable with?

   

• Can my parent stay with me?

   

• Can I ask for a break or say stop?

   

6. Consent, Control, and Comfort

For Parents

• How will consent be handled at each step?

   

• How will my child be supported emotionally?

   

• Who will be present during procedures?

   

• How do we document our preferences in the medical record?

   

For Children

• Will you tell me what you’re doing before you do it?

   

• Can I ask questions during the visit?

   

• Can I say “pause” or “stop”?

   

7. If We Choose a Different Path

For Parents

• What happens if we decline this treatment?

   

• Can you help us monitor symptoms safely?

   

• When should we come back or reassess?

   

• Can you document that we made an informed choice?

   

For Children

• What happens next if we don’t do this today?

   

• Will I still be taken care of?

   

• When do I come back?

   

8. Second Opinions and Advocacy

For Parents

• Would you support us in getting a second opinion?

   

• Can you refer us to another specialist?

   

• Are there patient advocates or social workers available?

   

• Where can we find trustworthy, unbiased information?

   

For Children

• Can another doctor help explain this too?

   

• Can someone help my parent and me understand?

   

9. Red-Flag Questions (When Something Feels Off)

These questions help families slow things down when pressured.

• Is this an emergency or do we have time to think?

   

• Why does this need to be done today?

   

• What are the risks of not doing this right now?

   

• Can you explain this again more slowly?

   

10. Closing the Visit With Clarity

For Parents

• Can you summarize our options again?

   

• What are the next steps we agreed on?

   

• Who do we call if we have questions later?

   

• Can we get this information in writing?

   

For Children

• What happens next?

   

• Who can I talk to if I feel worried?

   

• When do I see you again?

   

Important Reminder for Families

You are not being “difficult.”
You are practicing informed consent.

You are allowed to:

• Ask questions

   

• Say no

   

• Ask for time

   

• Ask for alternatives

   

• Change your mind