This list of questions is a good starting point for discussion with your doctor. However, it is not a comprehensive list.

Before you begin to ask questions of your doctor, there are questions you need to ask yourself:

• How much value do I place on extending my life as opposed to the quality of my life?
  
  
• What is most important to me when I consider my treatment options – living longer, minimizing pain, maximizing function?
  
  
• How much pain and risk would I be willing to accept if my chances of recovery are good?
  
  
• What conditions would make me decide not to use life-prolonging treatment?
  
  
• Do financial considerations influence my medical care decisions?

Then ask you doctor:

• Do you agree with my philosophy and goals?  If not, can you still support them?
  
  
• What is my (my loved one's) prognosis? 
• What are the best outcomes that I might reasonably hope for?
• What is the shortest and longest time that I (my loved one) can expect to live?
• How confident are you about this prognosis?
  
  
• What should I expect as the illness worsens?
  
  
• Will you be able to relieve pain, yet still allow me (my loved one) to be able to recognize and respond to family and friends?
  
  
• What will you be able to do to make sure I (my loved one) won't have to endure overwhelming pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms?
  
  
• What do you expect of us?
  
  
• What are the things to consider when choosing between aggressive treatment and comfort care?
  
  
• How much experience have you had in providing palliative care?
  
  
• How long can I still take care of myself?  
  
  
• What should I consider when choosing where I (my loved one) will be cared for?
• At home?
• At a live-in hospice home?
• At a hospital palliative care facility?
  
  
• Will you minimize transitions between services, settings, and personnel?  When they are necessary, will you make sure they go smoothly?
  
  
• Do you visit assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or hospitals to take care of patients?
  
  
• How difficult is caring for a dying loved one at home?  What issues should the caregiver be prepared to face?
  
  
• What physical and emotional palliative care options will be available and which do you think might be of help?
  
  
• When caring for a loved one at home:
• When should the caregiver call for professional help?
• How can caregivers provide physical comfort?
• How can caregivers provide emotional comfort?
  
  
• What can I do instead of going to the hospital in an emergency?
  
  
• How do I make it known that I don't want CPR in case of an emergency?
  
  
• When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made?
  
  
• Who can help me find and tap into needed services?
  
  
• Will you support my family before, during, and after my death?