At Your Appointment

Hepatitis C Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • How often have you missed or forgotten your hepatitis C medicine?
  • What is your biggest challenge with taking your hepatitis C medicines?
  • What new medicines have you started besides your hepatitis C medicine? Have you stopped taking any medicines?
  • What is your current alcohol intake? Are you injecting illicit drugs?
  • What kind of birth control are you using during hepatitis C treatment?
  • Have you ever had a blood transfusion, clotting factor injections, or organ transplantation? What year did this occur?
  • Have you ever injected drugs or had body piercings or tattoos?
  • What symptoms are you experiencing? Any bruising, fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, itchy skin, or dark urine?
  • Have you ever been diagnosed with liver problems, other forms of hepatitis, or jaundice?
  • Have you ever been vaccinated for hepatitis A or B?
  • Have you ever had an HIV test? When and what was the result?
  • What side effects are you experiencing from your hepatitis C medications?
  • When were your last viral load and liver function tests?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • What tests do I need to diagnose hepatitis C? What other tests should I have?
  • How will you know if my liver is healthy or not?
  • What treatment options are available for hepatitis C?
  • How does hepatitis C normally progress?
  • Do I need to see a specialist?
  • What is my hepatitis C virus genotype?
  • How long will I need to take hepatitis C medicines? What should I do if I miss a dose?
  • What does it mean to cure hepatitis C? How likely is it for me to be cured?
  • If my hepatitis C is cured, can I ever get it again?
  • How can I prevent others from getting hepatitis C from me?
  • Do I need to stop drinking alcohol? How else can I protect my liver?
  • What options do I have if my medicines stop working or cause serious side effects?
  • Do my new symptoms mean my hepatitis C is progressing?
  • Do you recommend starting treatment now or delaying it? Why?
  • Should my family or partner be tested for hepatitis C?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Sep 17
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Hepatitis C. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hepatitis-c/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354284 
  2. Hepatitis C Questions and Answers for Health Professionals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hcv/hcvfaq.htm#e1
  3. Monitoring Patients Who Are Starting HCV Treatment, Are on Treatment, or Have Completed Therapy. American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. https://www.hcvguidelines.org/evaluate/monitoring