Interactive Question Prompts
Select which categories and questions to include with this interactive tool and click to download the PDF when ready. You can save your place, share your progress, or scan a QR to take continue on another device.
0 selected
0 selected
What exactly is my diagnosis? Is it common?
Can you provide more details about my specific autoimmune disease?
Can you explain in more detail what my diagnosis means for my overall health and well-being?
Should I be aware of different variations or subtypes of my autoimmune disease?
I’ve heard that some autoimmune diseases can be accompanied by other autoimmune conditions. Can you tell me if I am at risk of having another condition as well?
How does the immune system become dysregulated in my condition?
What are T cells and B cells, and how do they relate to my disease?
Are there environmental or lifestyle factors believed to trigger this disease?
Is there a hereditary component to my autoimmune disease?
Should I encourage my siblings or children to undergo specific screenings or tests for early detection?
Care Access & Navigation
What financial assistance programs are available to help cover medication or clinical visits?
Can someone help me navigate insurance appeals if my treatment is denied?
Are there copay assistance programs or grants I might qualify for?
How do I coordinate care among multiple specialists?
Who is the main point of contact for questions about my overall care?
Can you provide a care summary I can share with my other providers?
Are there apps that can help me manage my symptoms, medications, or appointments?
Can I access telehealth visits for follow-up care or second opinions?
Is there a patient portal where I can view my records and communicate with the care team?
Are language interpretation services available, and how can I ensure effective communication if English is not my primary language?
Are there specific hospitals you are affiliated with, particularly if I need to visit the emergency room?
Are there any secure digital platforms or apps facilitating communication with the healthcare team, especially for non-urgent questions or updates?
Daily Life & Wellbeing
Are there relevant stress management approaches that may benefit me?
How might my condition affect my ability to work or maintain employment?
Are there accommodations available to help me manage my responsibilities?
How can I explain my condition to employers or coworkers?
How can I cope with changes in appearance due to medication or disease activity?
Are there support resources for patients dealing with hair loss, skin changes, or weight shifts?
What are common emotional responses to long-term illness, and how can I manage them?
How can we prioritize my quality of life, not just managing lab results?
Are there programs, support groups, or resources for people who’ve been living with this disease for a long time?
Can we talk about emotional wellbeing, grief, or burnout that can come with long-term illness?
Are there adaptive tools or strategies to help me stay active and independent?
Family & Future Planning
How might the prescribed medications impact my fertility or pregnancy, and what precautions should be taken?
Can alternative medications or adjustments be made if planning for pregnancy?
Under what circumstances might reducing or discontinuing certain medications be possible?
How will transitioning off medications be managed, and what should I expect?
How can my family members be involved in the communication process, especially if they are an integral part of my support system?
Are there privacy considerations I should know regarding family involvement?
How is shared decision-making incorporated into my care plan, and what role do I play in the decision-making process?
Do I need to complete an advance directive, living will, or medical power of attorney?
Can you help me understand what an advance directive includes and how it is used in my care?
If I already have an advance directive, should I share a copy with all my providers?
Are there state-specific forms I should complete to ensure my healthcare wishes are respected?
What happens if I don’t have documentation in place and I become unable to make decisions for myself?
Can I update my forms later if my wishes change?
Who can help me complete these documents—can this be done during a clinic visit?
Should I involve a family member or caregiver in this process?
LGBTQ
Have the medications or treatments we’re discussing been studied in LGBTQ+ or gender-diverse populations?
How might gender-affirming hormone therapy affect my autoimmune condition or interact with my treatment?
Are there any risks I should be aware of when combining autoimmune treatments with hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Are there specialists with experience treating my condition in transgender or nonbinary patients?
Are there mental health professionals or peer groups with experience supporting LGBTQ+ people with chronic illness?
Males
How does this condition tend to affect men differently?
Are my symptoms likely to be different than than they are in women?
Have treatments been studied in men as well as women, or do we know less about how they affect male patients?
Are there any specific risks or complications that men should be aware of with this condition?
Does this condition or its treatment affect testosterone levels, fertility, or sexual health?
Can autoimmune disease or its treatment impact my prostate or cardiovascular health?
Should I be screened for other conditions that may be more common in men with autoimmune diseases?
Are there men-focused support groups or resources I can turn to for peer connection?
Do you see many male patients with this disease, and are there differences in how they experience care or respond to treatment?
Are there mental health professionals or peer groups with experience supporting men with autoimmume disease?
Mature / Aging
How does aging affect the way my autoimmune disease is treated?
Are there new concerns I should watch for as I get older with this condition?
Do any of my medications need to be adjusted now that I’m aging?
How will we monitor for long-term side effects of medications I’ve been on for years?
Are there updated treatment options or research findings I should know about now?
How often should I be screened for complications that can come with chronic autoimmune illness?
What specialists should be part of my care team at this stage?
Do I need to think about future care needs, like in-home support or long-term care planning?
If I become unable to care for myself, what should I put in place now to prepare?
Can we review my advance directive or medical power of attorney together?
How can I involve my family or caregivers in planning my care without giving up my independence?
What should I consider when evaluating assisted living or skilled nursing options with autoimmune disease?
Have there been any new discoveries or updates in understanding my autoimmune disease since I was first diagnosed?
How might my disease progress or change as I get older, and what signs should I watch for?
Can long-term inflammation or medication use affect my heart, bones, or other organs?
Are there new monitoring tools or biomarkers that can help track my disease over time?
How can I evaluate whether my current treatment plan is still the most effective and safest option for me?
Should I be screened for complications or comorbidities that can develop with long-term autoimmune disease?
How does aging impact my immune system and the way my disease behaves?
Are there specific vaccinations or preventive measures I should consider now?
How can I maintain physical strength, mobility, and joint health as I age with this condition?
Are there specific nutritional strategies that can help reduce inflammation and support aging well?
How do I distinguish between symptoms of aging and symptoms of my autoimmune disease?
What steps can I take to protect my mental health, memory, and emotional well-being over time?
How can I best prepare for transitions in care, such as moving from specialty to primary care management?
Are there long-term effects of my medications I should discuss with my doctor (e.g., bone loss, liver or kidney health)?
What new clinical trials or treatment options are available for people with established or chronic disease?
Menopause & Hormones
How can I confirm that I’m in perimenopause if my symptoms overlap with my autoimmune disease?
Do autoimmune conditions or their medications affect when menopause begins or how severe it feels?
Can early or medically induced menopause (from treatment or surgery) change my autoimmune disease course?
How can perimenopause or menopause affect the course of my autoimmune disease?
Are hormonal changes likely to make my symptoms worse or trigger flares?
How do changes in estrogen or progesterone influence inflammation and immune balance?
Could some menopause symptoms (like joint pain, fatigue, or brain fog) overlap with my autoimmune symptoms?
How can I tell whether new symptoms are hormone-related or disease-related?
How do aging and hormonal changes together affect my long-term immune health?
Should I expect changes in how I respond to medications during or after menopause?
Should my medication timing or dosage be adjusted if hot flashes or sleep disruption affect how I absorb medication?
Are any autoimmune drugs known to worsen menopausal symptoms such as flushing or mood swings?
Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) safe for people with my autoimmune condition, and are there disease-specific risks?
Are there alternatives to HRT that can help manage menopausal symptoms safely with my current medications?
Are vaginal estrogen products safe for me, or do they carry autoimmune-related risks?
How can I manage memory lapses, brain fog, or concentration problems that may be linked to both menopause and autoimmune fatigue?
Are there safe cognitive supports or lifestyle changes that help with focus and mood during this transition?
How does menopause-related sleep disturbance (night sweats, insomnia) affect autoimmune activity or inflammation?
Are there hormone-free sleep strategies that won’t interfere with my autoimmune medications?
What self-care and stress-reduction practices are most beneficial during perimenopause and menopause?
Does menopause increase my risk for osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease, and how can I reduce that risk?
Should I start bone-strengthening exercises or supplements earlier than typical recommendations because of autoimmune inflammation?
How do I know if my joint pain is hormonal, inflammatory, or both?
Are autoimmune medications likely to compound menopause-related weight gain or cholesterol changes?
What are safe ways to maintain heart and metabolic health while balancing hormones and autoimmune care?
Should I have additional screening tests during this stage, such as bone density, thyroid function, or vitamin D levels?
What kinds of physical activity support hormonal balance and joint health during perimenopause?
How can nutrition be tailored to both hormone regulation and autoimmune inflammation?
Are there specific lifestyle or dietary strategies that can help balance hormones and inflammation?
What mind-body approaches, such as yoga, mindfulness, or acupuncture, are best studied for hormonal balance in autoimmune patients?
How might menopause affect my sexual health, energy levels, or sleep, and what can I do to manage those changes?
How can I safely address vaginal dryness, discomfort, or libido changes while managing an autoimmune condition?
Are there studies examining how menopause timing or hormone therapy affects autoimmune flare frequency?
Are there new studies or clinical trials looking at menopause in people with autoimmune diseases?
Should I consider participating in menopause-focused autoimmune research or registries?
Rural
What options do I have if there are no specialists in my area?
Can I receive any part of my care through telehealth or phone visits?
How can I get second opinions or consultations from specialists who are not local?
Can my local primary care provider work in partnership with a specialist on my case?
Are there traveling clinics or outreach programs that serve patients in rural areas like mine?
What should I do if I need emergency care and the nearest hospital isn’t familiar with autoimmune disease?
Are there labs, pharmacies, or imaging centers closer to me that can be used for testing or prescriptions?
Is there help available for transportation to appointments (gas vouchers, rideshare programs, or local services)?
How can I manage care if my internet or phone service isn’t reliable?
Can I still participate in a clinical trial or research study if I live far from the site?
Are there any community health workers, nurses, or case managers who can help me coordinate my care?
Support & Community Resources
Are there specialists or healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds involved in my care?
Are there counseling sessions or support groups available for people like me with my autoimmune disease?
How does mental health play a role in managing this condition?
Can you recommend local or online resources for people with autoimmune diseases?
Are there organizations or networks that provide additional support?
Where can I find patient advocacy, disability, or social service (in-home care) resources?
How can I find or request a medical case manager?
Symptoms & Disease Management
What are the most common symptoms associated with my autoimmune disease?
Should I document my symptoms and the frequency at which they occur?
How can I actively participate in controlling and managing flare-ups?
Are there specific triggers or lifestyle factors that may contribute to flare-ups that I should be aware of?
Are there tools or apps that you recommend for symptom monitoring?
Besides the reported symptoms, has there been any evidence of damage to my body or organs and how will you monitor and assess potential damage over time?
Is it possible that my condition may cause further damage?
What are the key lab tests and imaging used to monitor my condition?
What do my recent test results mean for my disease activity?
How often should I be monitored for changes or complications?
Are there any early warning signs I should watch for between appointments?
What is the expected course of this autoimmune disease?
Are there any known factors that might impact the progression of the disease?
Is it possible to achieve remission with this autoimmune disease, and if so, what does that process typically involve?
What factors contribute to maintaining a state of remission?
What types of testing would indicate that my autoimmune disease is in remission?
I’m on multiple medications—how do we know what’s helping and what might be causing side effects?
Could some of my symptoms (fatigue, memory, pain) be due to aging rather than disease?
How can we make sure my treatments don’t interfere with medications for other conditions?
Treatment & Medications
Can you refer me to a nutritionist who has experience working with individuals with my autoimmune disease?
What are the recommended treatment options for my autoimmune disease?
What traditional or culturally specific healing practices can be integrated into my treatment plan?
How will adjustments be made to my treatment plan if needed, and what factors might prompt modifications?
If my insurance does not cover the cost of my medication, are there other treatment options available to me?
What are the dietary or nutritional recommendations of my treatment plan if any?
How can I find clinical trials or research studies related to my autoimmune disease that I might be eligible to participate in?
Are there any potential interactions between the prescribed medications and other supplements or over-the-counter medications I may be taking?
Can you describe exactly how this treatment works to combat the disease?
Can you tell me how I will feel when I start taking the medication?
What are the common side effects associated with the prescribed medications?
How can I proactively manage and cope with potential side effects?
Are there lifestyle changes or specific interventions that can help minimize side effects?
How should I communicate any concerns or unexpected side effects with you or the healthcare team?
Are there specific symptoms that should prompt immediate calls or visits?
Are there unique side effects or drug interactions I should be aware of based on my hormone use or gender identity?
What complementary therapies could be beneficial.
Where can I find a patient navigator to help me explore clinical trial opportunities as a complementary treatment option?
Women of Color
Are there specific symptoms people of color might experience more frequently?
Can you refer me to a nutritionist who has experience working with individuals with my autoimmune disease, particularly women of color?
What is the expected course of this autoimmune disease in women of color?
Are there any known factors that might impact the progression of the disease in women of color?
How personalized is my treatment plan, considering my unique background and experiences as a woman of color?
Should any cultural factors be considered in tailoring my treatment?
How open is the healthcare team to discussing complementary therapies that align with my cultural background?
Does my treatment plan take a holistic approach, considering the physical, emotional, and cultural aspects of my well-being?
How might my cultural background impact my response to certain medications?
Are there any side effects that women of color should be particularly aware of?
What complementary therapies could be beneficial?
Can you recommend local or online resources for women of color with autoimmune diseases?
How is the healthcare team trained to be culturally sensitive and understand the unique experiences of women of color?
Are there initiatives to ensure an inclusive and supportive environment for patients from diverse backgrounds?
How can I stay informed about the latest research and developments in a way that considers cultural perspectives?
Are there healthcare navigators or patient advocates who are culturally competent and can assist me in navigating the healthcare system?
Save or Share Your Question List
Copy this link to save your selections or share them with others.
Scan this QR code to continue on another device: