Let’s say you have a medical condition and there’s no scientific consensus about the most effective treatment. What do you do?

“Try to understand what all your options are,” said Dr. David Meltzer, director of the Center for Health and the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago.

Don’t assume that your doctor will automatically review all potential therapies.

Have your physician discuss outcomes for the various treatments. What are the potential side effects or complications? What is the success rate in curing the condition or alleviating symptoms?

Ask if the doctor’s recommendation is supported by scientific evidence, suggested Dr. John Santa, director of the Consumer Reports Health Ratings Center. Feel free to inquire: “How extensive is the evidence supporting this intervention? How clear is it? Can I see the data?”

Get a second opinion if you want another perspective. Be aware that the specialty of the professional you consult may shape his or her expert opinion. For instance, surgeons typically recommend surgery for prostate cancer.

Then, do some research independently. If you’re comfortable using the Internet, look for scientific studies and materials published by the government or disease-specific groups. Search for organizations representing patients with your condition and find people willing to talk to you about their experiences.

According to Santa, about 30 to 40 percent of the time there is good evidence about what medical therapies work best. For the effectiveness of prescription drugs, check out information at consumerreportshealth.org.