Have you ever left you doctor's appointment with more questions than when you came in?You wait in an empty exam room, sometimes half-naked, for a few minutes of their precious time.
They come in, rushed, interrupt you while you are talking, quick exam, a few words and they are gone.
You pick up your prescription on the way out.
It should not be like this.
Your time is valuable, too,and you are paying for theirs, along with their expertise.
Shouldn't you be able to take advantage of it? Here are a few tips to make your next visit a better one.

1. Doctors are human like everyone else, no better or worse.
   We have a variety of personalities.
   Find one that fits yours.
   Do you like small talk, or someone who takes extra time with you, or do you like to just get your problems addressed and out the door?Either way, there is a doctor for you.
   
2. Have a list of all your medicines and write them completely on the paperwork you fill out before you see the doctor.
   Don't forget supplements and other over-the-counter products.
   
3. If you have several problems, write them down ahead of time.
   Otherwise, you could forget an important point or two.
   If you have a big list, don't be surprised if you have to make a second appointment for all of them to be addressed properly.
   On the other hand, your doctor should explain to you why he/she can't address them all at one visit.
   
4. If we do not pay attention to your concerns, tactfully address this issue.
   You might ask something like, is this not a good time to see me, or should I come back at another time when you are not so busy?Hopefully the question will slap us back into the realty of the situation
5. If we speak in terms you don't understand, don't be intimidated.
   Ask for an interpretation in simpler terms.
   Some questions you might consider asking are:What is my diagnosis and what does that mean?What is the treatment?What should I expect from the illness and treatment?Are there other things I can do to improve my recovery.
   

The time has passed when people should be satisfied with "I am the doctor" as answer enough to all questions.
You and the doctor should be allies in your medical care.