How to Make the Most of Your Doctor Appointment

Doctors' offices today are fast-paced, hurry-up places. Being prepared will help you make the most of your doctor's time and prevent potentially costly and dangerous mistakes and oversights. These tips will help:

Know your prescription and non-prescription medications. Take with you a written list of every medication you take, including herbal products and vitamin and nutritional supplements. Include the amount of each prescription and supplement you take, the frequency, and why you take what you do. Some vitamins and supplements can negatively interact with medications your doctor prescribes, so don't overlook them. Example: If you are taking Vitamin E, your doctor should be made aware of how much you're taking before prescribing any blood thinning medications; Vitamin E also thins the blood.

Know your symptoms. If you made an appointment to see your doctor because you are not feeling well or believe you're having a medical problem, be prepared to be specific. Your doctor may not ask the right questions and certainly cannot read your mind. Take with you a written description of your symptoms or complaints, including severity, frequency, time of day, etc. Be clear and explain what you mean. Example: On a scale of 1 to 10, how badly do you hurt? Or in a 24-hour period, how often do you notice the pain?

Take someone with you. Many times a trusted friend or family member familiar with your situation can be of great support when meeting with your doctor. Sometimes they can think of questions that you may not think to ask, or they can help clarify what the doctor is telling you. I've also found that having someone accompany me sends a subtle message to the doctor that my concerns are real, and I believe the attention I get from my doctor is more thorough.

Ask questions. Don't be embarrassed to ask for clarification if you don't understand what your doctor is telling you. And don't hesitate to disagree (respectfully, of course) if you really believe your doctor is suggesting or prescribing a course of action not to your liking.