QuestionBuilder App Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How do I download the app?

Answer: The app can be downloaded at no cost from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store . The app is compatible with Apple devices running iOS version 11.0 and higher and Android devices running version 4.4 and higher. Users without access to a smartphone can use the app online at https://www.ahrq.gov/questions/question-builder/online.html.

Question: How much does the app cost?

Answer: The app is completely free of charge. There are no fees to download the app or in-app purchases to use any of the features.

Question: What types of appointments can the app help me prepare for?

Answer: The app can be used for any type of medical appointment. It suggests questions to help users talk about a health problem, get or change a medication, get medical tests, and talk about surgery.

Question: How do I share my questions with my provider?

Answer: We recommend you take your mobile device with you to your medical appointment and use the QuestionBuilder app to guide your questions during your office visit. If your providers allow patients to email questions to them, you can do that using the email function.

Question: Who has access to the data I enter into the QuestionBuilder app?

Answer: Only you. No data or information is stored in the app. Any information you input is stored on your mobile device, and you have complete control of it.

Question: What happens to the information that I put into the app?

Answer: The QuestionBuilder app does not transmit any data from your mobile device. You have complete control over all the information you put into the app. You can:

• Keep your questions in the QuestionBuilder app on your mobile device and clear them using the “clear” button after you visit your provider.
• Use the email feature on your mobile device to email the information to yourself or others.
• Use the calendar feature on your mobile device to have it handy on the day of your medical appointment.

Please note: If you use the email and calendar features, your account providers for these services will store a copy of your data.

Question: Where are my data stored?

Answer: Anything you input into the QuestionBuilder app is stored in your mobile device’s memory. It is not stored in the app. Please note: If you email information to yourself or save it to your device’s calendar, the providers of those services will have copies of your data.

Question: If I switch to another app on my mobile device while using the QuestionBuilder app, will I lose my data?

Answer: No. The data are stored in your mobile device’s memory and will still be there when you return to the app. Only these three actions will delete your data:

1. Restarting your mobile device.
2. Force-closing the app.
3. Hitting the “clear” button at the top right of the screen while using the app.

Question: How are data transferred from my mobile device to my email or calendar provider?

Answer: The data transfer from the QuestionBuilder app to your email or calendar takes place directly on your mobile device. If you save the information in your calendar or send your questions by email, the providers of those services will likely save a copy of your data on their servers or in their cloud storage.

Question: Where can I find more privacy information?

Answer: AHRQ’s privacy policy can be found at: https://www.ahrq.gov/policy/electronic/privacy/index.html

Question: Will updates be made to the app?

Answer: The app will be updated periodically with additional content and functionality. These updates will be made available at no charge through the Apple App Store  and Google Play Store . Questions and feedback may be emailed to Patient.Safety@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Question: Where can I learn more?

Answer: You can learn more about communicating with your healthcare provider at https://www.ahrq.gov/questions/index.html

To learn more about the app, visit https://www.ahrq.gov/questions/question-builder/index.html

Question: Who can I contact with more questions about the app or its contents?

Answer: Information about contacting AHRQ can be found at https://www.ahrq.gov/contact/index.html

Questions and feedback may be emailed to Patient.Safety@ahrq.hhs.gov.