Content Overview 
- Summary
- Tell The Doctor Everything That He Or She Needs To Know
- Be Open And Honest With Your Doctor
- Ask Everything You Need To Know
- If You Are Asked A General Question, Answer It Precisely
- Use Medical Terms Whenever Possible
- Be Sure You Understand What The Doctor Tells You
- If You Ask Questions About Research You've Done Or Information You've Learned, Give The Doctor A Copy Or The Citation
- Learn What To Do If You Have Additional Questions
- Let The Doctor Know What You Hope To Accomplish In The Meeting
- Keep The Playing Field Level
- Don't Expect The Same Relationship With All Your Doctors
- Be Proactive
- Do What You Are Comfortable With To Make Yourself An Individual To The Doctor
- Expect The Best From Your Doctor
- If You Are Age 65 or Older, Watch For Doctors Who Think About Your Age Before Your Symptoms
- Learn How To Deal With Problems That May Arise In Meetings With Doctors
- At The End Of The Appointment, Recap What Happened. Ask Where To Learn More. Keep Your Other Doctors To Date
- If You Are Grateful To Your Doctor, Show It
- Do Not Avoid Sensitive Subjects
How To Maximize Limited Time With Your Doctor
Be Proactive
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As Consumer Reports reported in 2004: "…research shows that patients who work actively with their doctors tend to feel more in control, to tolerate symptoms better, and to take greater responsibility for improving their health. More important, they're more likely to be diagnosed accurately, to respond to treatment, and to recover quickly."
Gather enough information to make decisions based on facts -- not to become a doctor. Facts are your friend , especially if you are planning to say "no" to the doctor's suggestion.
As Dr. Julia Wellin says: "In today's medicine, if you don't ask, you don't get. You're not a pain. You're a self advocate."
NOTE: If it helps you to assert yourself, let the doctor or nurse you understand the pressure they are under by saying something such as "You really seem to be working hard today. I hope you don't mind me asking the questions that are concerning me."
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