BBC - Health - Talking to your doctor

Being a patient Going into hospital, whether for an outpatient appointment or as an inpatient on a ward, can be daunting, but knowing what's likely to happen will help you get the best from your treatment.

In this section
Patient choice How to choose a hospital if your GP refers you Questions for your specialist Important things to ask at the outpatient clinic Physical therapy What you can expect if you need physical therapy Questions for your therapist Useful questions to ask at your physical therapy session	Medical history How information about you is passed between doctors Ward routine From when you can expect dinner to meeting the doctors Inpatient checklist Don't forget anything when you to go into hospital Cosmetic surgery on the NHS You'll only get it if you demonstrate a genuine need	Medical negligence What to do if you're not satisfied with your treatment Anaesthetics How anaesthesia works and what to expect Advance decision to refuse treatment How to ensure your wishes are respected

			Also in Health Heart disease A-Z of illnesses and conditions	Elsewhere on bbc.co.uk News: Call for improved hospital stays Elsewhere on the web PALS Patient Opinion
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Being a patient