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 Sure You Understand What The Doctor Tells You
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An easy method to be sure you understand
Repeat what you think the doctor means in your own words and then ask a question to confirm you understand, such as: "Is this correct?"
Record the meeting
Experience has shown that it is helpful to record what happens at your appointments.
- You can replay the conversation later to be sure there isn't anything you missed or didn't understand.
- Recording devices are inexpensive. You may even be able to make a recording on your mobile phone.
- Recording works particularly well if you want to share the details you've learned with others.
- Ask the doctor's permission before making a recording.
If you don't take a recording device,or if the doctor doesn't allow you to make a recording: you can take notes or ask the doctor to write down the main points for you. If you can't write while the doctor is talking to you, make notes in the waiting room after the visit.
If you want more information
Ask for written or recorded materials such as brochures, DVDs, CDs, cassettes or videotapes. If the doctor doesn't have the materials on hand, ask the doctor to recommend other sources of information for lay people (non-professionals).