What Questions Should You Ask Your Regenerative Medicine Doctor? A Patient Checklist
Walking into a medical consultation without a plan is a missed opportunity. Regenerative medicine involves a wide spectrum of treatments—some well-validated, others still emerging—and the quality of clinics varies considerably. A prepared patient who knows what to ask will make better decisions, develop a stronger therapeutic relationship with their physician, and be more likely to achieve their health goals.
At RHPNY in New York City, Dr. Ajit Dhaliwal welcomes detailed questions. In our experience, the patients who arrive most prepared get the most from their consultations. Here's the checklist we recommend.
Before You Book: Questions to Ask the Clinic
About Credentials and Training
- Is the physician overseeing my care board certified? In what specialty?
- Who will actually perform my procedure—the physician, a PA, or a nurse?
- How many patients with my specific condition has the practice treated?
About the Practice's Approach
- Do you take an individualized approach, or do you follow a standard protocol?
- Do you order labs or imaging before recommending treatment?
- What does follow-up care look like after a procedure?
During Your Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Your Diagnosis
- What is your working diagnosis for my condition?
- What testing do you recommend before we discuss treatment options?
- Are there any red flags or contraindications you see in my history?
About Proposed Treatments
If PRP is recommended:
- What concentration and preparation system do you use?
- Will my injection be image-guided? (Ultrasound or fluoroscopy—critical for joint injections)
- What is the expected timeline for response, and how many sessions do you recommend?
If [peptide therapy](/peptides) is recommended:
- What is the evidence base for using this peptide for my condition?
- How is it administered, and what does monitoring look like?
- Are there known interactions with my current medications?
If [hormone optimization](/chronic-disease) is being discussed:
- What labs will you use to establish my baseline?
- How frequently will you recheck levels, and what parameters guide dose adjustments?
- What delivery method do you recommend and why?
If [hair restoration](/precision-hair-restoration-for-men-and-women) procedures are proposed:
- What type of hair loss do I have, and is it still in an active phase?
- Will you perform trichoscopy before treatment?
- What maintenance protocol do you recommend after initial treatments?
For any treatment:
- What outcome are we realistically aiming for, and over what timeframe?
- What are the possible adverse effects, and how common are they?
- What happens if I don't respond as expected?
About Costs and Transparency
- What is the total expected cost for a full treatment course?
- Does insurance cover any of this? (For most regenerative medicine, the answer is no—but ask)
- Are there package deals, and am I under any obligation to continue?
A reputable practice answers cost questions clearly, without pressure. If you feel rushed to commit financially before you understand what you're buying, that's a red flag.
About Ongoing Care
- What does a typical follow-up appointment involve?
- How do you measure success for my condition?
- Will you coordinate with my other physicians or specialists?
After Your Consultation: Questions to Ask Yourself
- Did the physician explain things clearly and honestly, including uncertainty?
- Did I feel heard, or did the consultation feel rushed and templated?
- Was the recommended treatment matched to my specific diagnosis and biology?
- Were my questions welcomed, or did the physician seem impatient with them?
The quality of communication in your consultation predicts the quality of your care. At RHPNY, appointments are structured to ensure patients leave with a clear understanding of their diagnosis, their options, and a shared plan.
Book a consultation with Dr. Dhaliwal at RHPNY in New York City or Salt Lake City. Come with your questions—we'll take the time to answer them.
--- This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
