Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Choosing your care # How to compare treatment options around your own goals A good treatment decision connects the evidence with your life: what you hope to do, which risks concern you, and what recovery would ask of you. Your priorities belong in that discussion. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 20, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Tell the physician what a better day would look like](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#guide-section-1) 2. [Ask to see the reasonable choices together](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#guide-section-2) 3. [Compare benefit, burden, and uncertainty](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#guide-section-3) 4. [Make personal risks part of the comparison](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#guide-section-4) 5. [Agree on a review point rather than an open-ended trial](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#guide-section-5) 6. [Use your consultation to find the right fit](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#guide-section-6) 7. [Give each option the same set of questions](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#guide-section-7) 8. [Tell us what a workable choice looks like](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/#consultation-questions) ## Tell the physician what a better day would look like Pain relief may be one goal, but it is rarely the whole goal. Perhaps you want to sleep through the night, stand for a work shift, walk to a café, or return to a sport. Describe the specific task and what limits it now. Also mention what you are unwilling or unable to take on at the moment. A recommendation is easier to assess when both you and the clinician know what change would make the treatment worthwhile. ## Ask to see the reasonable choices together AHRQ’s SHARE approach asks clinicians to compare options, discuss benefits and harms, understand preferences, reach a decision together, and revisit it. NICE similarly recommends discussing consequences and uncertainty in the context of the person’s life. Ask which options apply to your situation, including whether monitoring or continuing the current approach is reasonable. A decision aid, when available and relevant, can support that conversation; it cannot replace an assessment of your symptoms, health history, and goals. Sources: [AHRQ: Essential Steps of Shared Decision Making](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/professional-training/shared-decision/tools/share-poster.html) · [NICE NG197: Shared decision making recommendations](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng197/chapter/recommendations) ## Compare benefit, burden, and uncertainty For each option, write down three things: what it is intended to improve, what you would have to do, and what remains uncertain. Ask whether the benefit is mainly expected in pain, movement, endurance, or another area. Then ask what would count as a limited response. If numbers are discussed, ask for the same time period and a comparable group of patients across the options. You can ask for a plain explanation of which parts of a prediction are known and which are an estimate. ## Make personal risks part of the comparison Your medical history, previous treatment, current medicines, and practical support can affect the discussion. Ask which factors matter in your case and whether anything should be addressed before moving forward. Do not stop or change medicines on your own to prepare for a possible treatment. Ask the responsible clinician for instructions. It is also reasonable to discuss a concern that is hard to quantify, such as managing recovery while caring for a family member or being away from work. ## Agree on a review point rather than an open-ended trial If you choose a nonsurgical approach, ask what the plan involves, how you will carry it out, and when it will be reassessed. If you choose an operation, ask what milestones and restrictions will shape recovery. Either way, decide which changes should prompt earlier contact. A decision can be thoughtful without being permanent. Knowing what would lead the team to reconsider helps you recognize when the original plan still fits and when another discussion is needed. ## Use your consultation to find the right fit Our Commons Clinic team includes clinicians with different areas of orthopedic expertise, as well as pain management and physical therapy. The profiles linked below can help you start with the relevant background. Patient comments may show how someone experienced explanation or involvement in a decision; they cannot choose the treatment for you. Bring your own priorities to the visit and ask the physician to explain the tradeoffs around them. You should leave knowing both the recommendation and the reason it fits what matters to you. ## Give each option the same set of questions AMA consent guidance includes the burdens, risks, benefits, and alternatives to a proposed treatment, including forgoing it. Compare reasonable options using the same headings rather than giving one a detailed discussion and another only a name. Ask which symptom each option targets, what uncertainty remains, and what participation it requires from you. Include the possibility of observation when your clinician considers it appropriate. Write down why our physician favors an option for your particular findings; that reasoning matters more than a general description of the procedure. Sources: [Informed Consent — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 2.1.1](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/informed-consent) ## Tell us what a workable choice looks like NIH decision guidance asks patients to consider a treatment’s effect on everyday life. Bring one ordinary week into the discussion: work hours, travel, caregiving, sleep, and help at home. Identify the commitment you can make and the task you most want back. Ask which tradeoff is likely to matter most for you and whether there is time to arrange support before deciding. If a recommendation feels difficult to carry out, describe the obstacle plainly so the conversation can address it rather than leaving you with a plan that only works on paper. Sources: [Discussing Health Decisions with Your Doctor](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/making-decisions-your-doctor) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Which choices are reasonable for my diagnosis and circumstances? - What is each option most likely to help me do? - What are the main drawbacks or burdens of each choice? - How does my health history change the risks? - What happens if I wait or continue the current plan? - How certain are the expected benefits? - What would make us change course? - Can I take time to review the options or discuss them with someone I trust? - Could we compare each reasonable option using the same benefits, burdens, and uncertainties? - Which of my priorities would be hardest to meet with each option? - What would we monitor if I choose to wait or try another suitable approach first? ## Sources & further reading - [AHRQ: Essential Steps of Shared Decision Making](https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/professional-training/shared-decision/tools/share-poster.html) - [NICE NG197: Shared decision making recommendations](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng197/chapter/recommendations) - [Informed Consent — AMA Code of Medical Ethics, Opinion 2.1.1](https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/informed-consent) American Medical Association - [Discussing Health Decisions with Your Doctor](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/making-decisions-your-doctor) NIH National Institute on Aging · Reviewed February 3, 2020 We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/shared-decisions-treatment-options-patient-goals/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Sanjay Khurana, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [More about Sanjay Khurana ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-m-d/) [**Allyson Estess, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [More about Allyson Estess ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) [**Evish Kamrava, MD** Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) [More about Evish Kamrava ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-m-d/) [**Andrew Wassef, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [More about Andrew Wassef ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Experiences, *in their words.* Hear from patients about our clinicians, the conversations they had, and the support they received. Excerpt > He also took the time to discuss all of my options and answered every single question I had. E. Lopez Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: October 18, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102720978095943987349/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD On the care experience: One reviewer described Sanjay Khurana discussing options and answering questions. Excerpt > Great Attitude Attention to detail explained Everything to me and made sure I understood what was needed very Happy R. Medina Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 21, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100006576024197082758/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > Everyone is so nice and Dr. Kamrava is very patient and listens to you and explains everything C. coyle Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: December 27, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100378960940298553562/place/ChIJi_9WeE-7woARVE5YYjWvq60) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Evish Kamrava, MD On the care experience: explanations Excerpt > She’s helped me twice for two different injuries and has always left treatment options open to me. D. Cooper Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 18, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106127148593694693664/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: the consultation Excerpt > All my questions and thoughts were addressed. G. Rudnicki Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 13, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100721734604502916193/place/ChIJnyoB9x5L3YAREV8eH7Wj8ZA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD On the care experience: questions during the consultation Excerpt > Very patient and explained my options. D. Regan Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 3, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100522067221222702517/place/ChIJqeNILuQy3YAR9WA5ym3pGLU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Andrew Wassef, MD On the care experience: explanations Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Choosing your care ### [What to ask about follow-up communication before you choose care](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/follow-up-communication-after-treatment/) Before treatment, agree on how questions, results, and unexpected changes will be handled. A clear follow-up plan can make the days between appointments feel much less uncertain. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/follow-up-communication-after-treatment/) Choosing your care ### [What good care coordination looks like before and after treatment](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/care-coordination-before-after-orthopedic-treatment/) Good coordination turns a treatment recommendation into a plan you can follow: the right records, clear responsibilities, and someone to contact when the next step is unclear. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/care-coordination-before-after-orthopedic-treatment/) Patient experience ### [Finding clear explanations and a coordinated care team](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/listening-explanations-and-care-coordination/) Clear care means more than receiving information. You should be able to connect the diagnosis, the choices, and the next step—and know how your team will help keep the plan together. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/listening-explanations-and-care-coordination/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/sanjay-khurana-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine ### [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Marina del Rey · Santa Monica [Meet Sanjay Khurana](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine ### [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Marina del Rey · Torrance · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Allyson Estess](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [![Evish Kamrava, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/evish-kamrava-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Management ### [Evish Kamrava, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) Santa Monica · Long Beach – Douglas Park · Westlake Village [Meet Evish Kamrava](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/evish-kamrava-md/) [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints ### [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Andrew Wassef](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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