Questions to ask at a first consultation with any clinic

The first consultation is the cheapest place to find problems. You can leave, you have paid for nothing yet, and nobody has touched you. A good clinic treats it that way. This page gives you a set of questions that work for dental, skin and aesthetic clinics.

It is general information. A licensed professional must assess your own case.

What is the decision rule?

Do not pay a deposit, sign a consent form or start a treatment at the first visit unless you have chosen to, with time to think. If the clinic rushes you, you have learned something about the clinic.

Who should I be talking to?

At the start, ask: "Who am I speaking with, and what is their role?" A receptionist, a sales adviser and a licensed practitioner are different people. Make sure the one who explains the treatment is the one who will assess you, and that you know who will do the work. Our how to check a practitioner is qualified page shows how to confirm it.

Questions to ask your clinic

Questions to ask your clinic

1. Who will assess me, and who will treat me? Are they licensed?
2. Can I see their licence number, and where can I check it?
3. What is the treatment, in plain words?
4. What are the risks and side effects, in general terms?
5. Are there other options, including waiting or doing nothing?
6. What is the total cost, and what is and is not included?
7. What happens if I am unhappy, or if there is a problem?
8. Who do I call afterwards, and what are the hours?
9. Do I have a cooling-off period or a right to cancel?
10. Can I have the plan, costs and consent form in writing to take home?

Ruling: questions 2 and 10 are the most useful. A clinic that welcomes them is usually one that is used to being checked.

What should I bring?

Bring a list of your health conditions, medicines, allergies and any past reactions. Bring your questions. If you can, bring a friend. Our skin treatment consultation checklist has a longer version.

What to expect

• Before: you book, perhaps fill in a health form. Ask what to bring and whether the consultation is free or charged.
• At the visit: a talk, a look at the area, a plan and costs. Typically no treatment on the first visit unless you ask for it.
• After: you get the plan in writing and a chance to think. Ask when to reply and whether the quote has an end date.

Red flags

• You cannot find out who is licensed
• A treatment is started before any assessment
• Deposit pressure, such as "only today"
• Risks are said to be none
• Costs are given by voice only
• You are told not to compare clinics
• Questions are met with irritation

How should I compare two clinics?

Ask each the same ten questions, write down the answers, and compare. Look at clarity, not price alone. See how to read a treatment quote and why a quote differs between clinics. For a broader routine, read how to check a clinic before you book.

Common mistakes

• Treating the consultation as a sales event
• Leaving health details out
• Comparing totals without lines
• Saying yes to be polite
• Not asking about a cooling-off period

Where does the answer change?

If you have urgent symptoms, such as severe pain, swelling of the face, fever or trouble breathing, do not wait for a consultation. Seek urgent care. A changing mole needs a doctor. See should I get a mole checked.