Can Your Doctor Answer These 5 Questions? They Should.

Most of us don’t walk into a doctor’s office ready to interrogate them. Maybe it’s the white coat effect, the quick 10-minute appointment, or just the assumption that they know best. But not all doctors are created equal. Some have more experience and better results, and (unfortunately) some are just better at talking the talk.

Here’s the problem: too many patients assume their doctor is the best option without ever asking the right questions. We trust credentials, referrals, or online reviews, but what we really need is a doctor who can back up their expertise with data.

If you want real answers about your health, here are five questions your doctor should be able to answer … though many can’t (or won’t).

1. How Many Patients Have You Treated With My Condition in the Past Year?

Would you trust a pilot who only flies once a year? Probably not. So why would you trust a doctor who rarely treats your condition?

Experience matters. Some doctors perform certain surgeries so rarely that their skill level may not be where it needs to be. Those who frequently treat a condition or perform a procedure tend to have fewer complications and better outcomes. However, not all doctors track or disclose this information. If your doctor hesitates, gives you a vague answer, or dodges the question, that’s a red flag.

What to do: If they don’t have a clear number, come back and search for your specific condition or procedure on SelectDr. We use verifiable experience data in our recommendations.

2. What Has the Typical Outcome Been for Patients Like Me?

This one separates the informed from the evasive. A great doctor should be able to give you actual, measurable success rates — not just a reassuring smile and a generic “We’ve had good results.”

Why does this matter? Because healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all. The treatment that works for a 30-year-old athlete might not be right for a 60-year-old with diabetes. You want realistic expectations, not optimism. If a doctor sidesteps this question, it might mean they don’t track their outcomes. Or don’t want to share them.

What to do: If they can’t provide transparent success rates, come back and search for your specific condition or procedure on SelectDr. We only use 100% objective quality measures in our recommendations.

3. Have You Had Any Patients With Major Complications From This Procedure?

Nobody’s perfect. But good doctors track, analyze, and learn from complications. If a doctor immediately dismisses the question — “Oh, nothing to worry about!”— that’s a bad sign.

A transparent answer might sound like: “Yes, but here’s what happened, here’s what we learned, and here’s how we prevent that now.” That’s the kind of response that builds trust.

What to do: If your doctor avoids the question, press them. “What steps do you take to prevent complications? What’s your personal complication rate?” If they can’t answer, find someone to give you a second opinion on SelectDr.

4. What Are the Alternatives to This Treatment?

Doctors often present one clear treatment plan, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option — or the best one for you. Some treatments are more aggressive than necessary, and many conditions have less invasive, lower-risk alternatives worth exploring.

A great doctor should be able to explain whether there are non-surgical approaches, how different medications compare, and what happens if you choose to do nothing. Some conditions resolve on their own. Others worsen. You deserve to know the reality before making a decision.

What to do: If you’re unsure, ask: “If I don’t do this, what happens? What’s the least aggressive option?” If your doctor brushes off your concerns or refuses to discuss alternatives, that’s your cue to seek another perspective.

5. At What Facility Will You Do This Procedure—and Why?

Here’s a secret: Doctors don’t always pick the best location for you. Sometimes, they schedule procedures based on their own convenience — which hospital they work at most, which days they have open — rather than what’s best for your specific situation.

For many procedures, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) offer better outcomes, lower costs, and more personalized care. But some doctors lean toward hospitals out of habit or logistics. Ask where they’d want to be treated if they were in your shoes.

What to do: If you are generally healthy and they push a hospital, ask: “Are there any high-quality ASCs that perform this procedure? How would you compare outcomes between the two?” The right setting can impact your recovery time, cost, and overall outcome, so don’t be afraid to push for the best option.

Why Don’t Some Doctors Like These Questions?

Let’s be honest. These questions can put doctors on the spot. Many patients don’t ask them, and some doctors aren’t used to having to justify their decisions.

But the best doctors? They welcome an honest and open dialogue.

What This Means for You

If your doctor can’t (or won’t) answer these questions, it’s time to pause and consider your options. You deserve a doctor who is transparent, experienced, and focused on delivering the best outcomes — not just one who’s easy to talk to.

This is exactly why SelectDr exists. Instead of relying on reviews about bedside manner or convenience, SelectDr helps you find top-rated, in-network doctors based on real performance data.

So, ask the hard questions next time you’re in the exam room. And if you don’t like the answers? You know where to look.