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This checklist contains questions gathered from a number of sources.  The biggest source has been COPD patients.  

These questions are designed to help you preplan for your early doctor visits.

1. What is my exact diagnosis? Is it mild, moderate or severe?
2. Exactly which parts are predominant?
3. How do you think my case of COPD will Progress?
4. Can it be treated and what medicine should I take?
5. What is the purpose of each of the medications that you have prescribed?
6. Please explain the side effects of these medications?
7. Do you have any samples of the medications you will prescribe?
8. What spacer do you want me to use and do you have one?
9. What do I do if these medications do not seem to help me?
10. When do you prescribe steroids (prednisone), either inhaled or oral?
11. Will you order routine PFTs (pulmonary function studies), chest x-rays, and ABGs (arterial blood gas) and how often do you repeat them?
12. What do the tests mean?  And I would like a copy of my records.
13. How can I slow down the progress of this disease?
14. Will vitamins, exercise, ect., help and which ones?
15. Will you refer me to pulmonary rehabilitation?
16. Do you have someone to teach me the proper use of these inhalers and teach me about the basics of COPD and how to manage it?
17. Do you arrange for oxygen therapy for your patients if they need it?
18. Would you order a baseline Bone Density Scan so we can follow any bone mineral loss? (If you are on prednisone)
19. How many doctors are in your group are on call for COPD exacerbations?
20. Is there always a doctor I can reach by phone?
21. When should I go to the ER if I cannot reach you?
22. Does the hospital you admit to have a full-service Intensive Care Unit to manage respiratory critical care?
23. How can I avoid infections and what do I do if I think I have one?
24. Will a peek flow meter help me? If so, how?
25. Since I have more than one disease, please explain to me how you think one will affect the others?
26. Will you prescribe antibiotics for me to keep on hand at home in case I get sick on a weekend or holiday? When should I begin taking the antibiotics?
27. Do you give yearly flu vaccines?
28. Should I have a Pneumovax vaccine, and when should I repeat it?
29. How much of my total care will you take care of and when should I see my family doctor?

If you would like to download these questions, click here.