Medical tests are important tools, but they have limits. Some people think that the more tests they have, the better off they’ll be. Wise consumers know medical tests have costs and risks as well as benefits. To help your doctor make good choices about tests for you, you need to:

Learn the basics.
•    What is the name of the test and why do I need it?
•    If the test is positive, what will the doctor do differently?
•    What could happen if I don’t have the test?
Consider the risks and benefits.
•    How accurate is the test? How often does it indicate a problem exists when there is none (false positive)? How often does it say there is no problem when there is one (false negative)?
•    Is the test painful? What can go wrong?
•    How will I feel afterward?
•    Are there less risky alternatives?

Ask about costs.
•    How much does the test cost?
•    Is there a less expensive test that
might give the same information?

Let your doctor know

•    Your concerns about the test.
•    What you expect the test will do for you. Ask if that is realistic.
•    Any medications you are taking.
•    Whether you are pregnant or have other medical conditions.

•Your decision to accept the test.

Medical Ping- Pong Shared decision-making requires two-way communication, like playing a game of ping-pong.
Ping: You describe your symptoms, main concern, and hunches.
Pong: Your doctor makes a diagnosis and describes treatment options.
Ping: You tell your doctor your personal preferences or ask about other options.
Pong: Your doctor restates the options and how they relate to your preferences.
Ping: You accept one of the recommended options or learn more about what you should do.
With good two-way discussion, the chances are better that you will end up with the treatment plan that is best for you.

If a test seems costly, risky, and not likely to change the recommended treatment, ask your doctor if you can avoid it. Try to agree on the best approach. No test can be done without your permission.
Once you agree to a test, ask what you can do to reduce the chance of errors. Ask about food, exercise, alcohol, or medications to avoid before the test. After the test, ask to review the results. Take notes for your home records. If the results are unexpected and the error rate of the test is high, consider redoing the test before basing further treatment on the results.

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