Patient Rights and Health Care Advocacy

Primary Listings

10 Basic Questions Patients Can Ask their Doctors Editor's Pick

Simple list of ten questions each patient should ask his or her doctor about surgery, tests, and prescription drugs. Prepared by our national Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), updated 2020.

Create your Own List of Questions to Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist (AHRQ) Editor's Pick

Create your own list of questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist. AHRQ, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, has developed a large set of questions from which you can select a smaller list and print to take with you when you visit your health care providers. Topics include prescriptions, medical tests, diagnosis, treatment options, choosing hospitals, and talking to your physician about surgery. This will help you feel prepared and not forget something you wanted to ask. “Questions are the Answer”.

Patient Rights and Patient Advocacy Resources

Find resources on patient rights and advocacy at MedlinePlus. Topics include Informed Consent, and End of Life Decisions. Mental Health rights and Hospice patient rights are not addressed.

Other Helpful Listings

Financial Assistance for Kidney Dialysis Patients (AKF)

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) may be able to provide financial assistance with kidney dialysis costs. Patients with kidney failure may qualify for help with health insurance premiums.  Safety Net Grants may also be available for financial help with out-of-pocket costs not covered by insurance. An example is transportation for dialysis or kidney failure costs.