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Visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) Physician Referral Directory or the Jeffrey Modell Foundation (JMF). Find an Expert Immunologist.
Learn MoreDownload and Print Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Testing for primary immunodeficiency (PI) can take many months – and after the diagnosis, there are decisions to make. Here are some questions to consider asking your doctor once you’ve been diagnosed.
Questions to Ask About Treatment
- What is the specific type of primary
immunodeficiency I have? - What therapies are available to treat it?
- Which treatment do you recommend and why?
- Are there alternatives to this approach?
- How long will treatment be required?
- How will I know if the therapy option I choose is working?
- Will I be able to change my mind?
Questions on Intravenous (IVIG) and Subcutaneous (SubQ) Immunoglobulin (IgG) Therapy
- What is the goal of IgG therapy?
- Will I still have a choice of how and where my therapy is administered (home or infusion center, SubQ or IVIG)?
- What are IVIG and SubQ infusions like?
- What brand of IgG will you prescribe and why?
- How will you determine my dosage? Will it be adjusted?
- Do I have a choice of locations – hospital, infusion suite,
or home? - What are possible side effects? How should they be managed?
- Will I need any pre- or post-medication?
- Is there anything I need to do to prepare myself (or my child)?
Nurse Partner
Learn MoreQuestions to Ask About Living with PI
- Who will be my main point of contact – you or my primary care doctor?
- Can I do anything to help prevent infections?
- Are there restrictions I should follow?
- What vaccines do you recommend? Are there any I should be avoiding?
- Is there a specific medical diet or nutritional guidelines you would recommend?
- Is there a known genetic cause for this type of PI? If so, how will I know if other family members need to be tested?
- What risk factors related to PI should I be aware of?
- What’s the long-term prognosis?
- Do I need to see any other specialists?
- Who should I call if I get sick?
- Who can help me with insurance details?
Intended for U.S.