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Medical Procedures

Questions to ask before undergoing a medical procedure:

• What is the purpose of this test?
• Are there any alternatives?
• Is this an outpatient or inpatient procedure?
• Can I anticipate any pain, discomfort, or claustrophobia?
• Can I take medication to make me more comfortable?
• How much does the procedure cost, and is it covered by my health insurance?
• Will I get a copy of the test results, and what will a physician’s interpretation tell me about my condition?

 

Click here to learn more about specific diagnostic procedures.

Click here to learn more about plasmapheresis.

 

For additional information, you can view a medical encyclopedia on these issues at MedlinePlus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003857.htm.

MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. Preformulated MEDLINE searches are included in MedlinePlus and give easy access to medical journal articles. MedlinePlus also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news.