Patient Resources

Questions to ask your primary care doctor

Your primary care doctor is likely to be the first to diagnose, or suspect, acid reflux disease. Your doctor may refer to it as GERD, which stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

In preparation for meeting with your primary care physician, or PCP, please consider the questions below as a helpful guideline. You may also download and print off this list to bring with you to your visit.

Questions about heartburn and acid reflux.

• Do I have acid reflux disease?
• Are there tests to confirm acid reflux disease?
• How serious is my condition and what complications are possible?
• Is there something else that could be causing this?
• What symptoms can I expect?
• Are there any symptoms I should report to you?
• Are there lifestyle or diet changes I can make?
• What are my treatment options? What are the benefits and risks of each?
• Do I have any medical conditions that may interfere with the treatment?
• Will over-the-counter medicines help? Which ones and how do I take them?
• Would a prescription medicine be better? Why or why not?
• Do I show any signs of Barrett's esophagus?
• Have you considered tests to look for Barrett’s esophagus?
• Are the tests effective and safe?
• Will you do the tests or will you refer me to a specialist?
• Will I need such exams in the future? How often and for how long?
• How much do the tests cost and does my insurance cover them?
• Should I be examined for cancer?

Questions about your medications.

• Why am I taking this medicine?
• How will it help and how will I know it is working?
• Is this medicine a cure or does it treat symptoms?
• How much does the medication cost?
• Does my insurance cover it?
• How do I take it and how long should I take it?
• What if I don't take it?
• What side effects can I expect and which ones should I report to you?
• What if I miss a dose?
• Is it safe to take this with my other medications?
• How will I know if my medications are interacting with each other?