Reflux testing and treatment
Questions to ask your doctor
Find out what you should be asking your doctor about Barrett’s esophagus during your next appointment.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor (.pdf)
Download a print-friendly version of our questions to ask your doctor. Ask your physician these questions to get the most out of your upcoming visit for Barrett’s esophagus.
Prepare for your appointment
If your primary care physician suspects you may have Barrett’s esophagus, they will refer you to a gastroenterologist (GI) for testing and diagnosis. To help you get the most out of your appointment, we have compiled a set of example questions you might ask your GI during your visit.
Questions about Barrett’s esophagus testing
- What tests do I need to do? What should I expect?
- Will the test be done in the hospital or in your office?
- How long do the tests take?
- Will I be awake? If not, how long will I be asleep?
- Do the tests require samples for a biopsy?
- Are there potential complications from the tests?
- What if I don’t take the tests?
- Is there anything that I need to do to prepare for the procedure?
- How long will it take for me to recover?
- How soon will I know the results of the tests?
- How much will the tests cost? Is it typically covered by my insurance?
- What is my risk for Barrett’s esophagus?
- What is my risk for esophageal cancer?
- Will I need regular exams in the future? If so, how often and for how long?
- How much do the tests cost? Are they typically covered by my insurance?
- Am I at risk for cancer?
Questions about diagnosis and treatment
- Do I have Barrett’s esophagus? If so, how serious is it?
- How was the diagnosis confirmed?
- Do you recommend another exam?
- How much of my esophagus is affected?
- Am I at risk of cancer?
- What are my treatment options?
- Which treatment reduces my progression risk the most?
- Will you conduct the treatment, or will you refer me to someone else?
- What result do you expect from the treatment? How will I know that it is working?
- Will the treatment cure my condition? If not, are there other treatments that might?
- What can I expect of the treatment?
- Will I need to stay in the hospital? If so, how long?
- Are there any possible side effects? Are there any that I should report to you immediately?
- What do I need to do to prepare for the treatment?
- Will I need to do anything after the treatment?
- Will I still need to continue my medications?
- Will there be any additional follow-up testing after the treatment?
- If I want a second opinion, do you have any recommendations?
- How much do the treatments cost?
- Which treatments are typically covered by my insurance?
- What will happen if I decide to opt out of treatment?
- What will be the risk of progressing to cancer if I decide to opt out of treatment?
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Information and resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Always discuss diagnosis and treatment information including risks with your doctor. Keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary.