Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with healthcare professionals regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about autoimmune diseases:

1. Why do you think I may have an autoimmune disease?
   
   
2. What type of autoimmune disease might I have?
   
   
3. Are there other possible causes of my symptoms?
   
   
4. What is a symptom diary? Should I keep one?
   
   
5. What screening or diagnostic tests are recommended for me? Do I need to do anything to prepare for them?
   
   
6. What do my tests indicate? Are they definitive, or do I need more tests?
   
   
7. How is my condition treated?
   
   
8. What are the benefits of treatment for me? What are the risks?
   
   
9. Do I have any alternatives?
   
   
10. Are my family members also susceptible to the disease? Should they have any tests?
    
    
11. Will my disease get worse over time?
    
    
12. Do I need to make lifestyle changes to cope with this disease?
    
    
13. Do you recommend that I consult a specialist in autoimmune diseases or my specific condition?