Make your doctor appointment worth the wait

The hustle and bustle of a busy doctor’s office can make some patients feel rushed. It’s all too common to spend more time in the waiting room than with your doctor. But research shows that patients who have good relationships with their doctors are more satisfied with their care and have better results. Use these tips to help you make the most of your doctor appointment.

• Provide information even if you are not directly asked.
• Doctors are not mind readers.
  
• Tell your doctor what you think he or she needs to know.
• You know your health history better than anyone. Bring a “health history” list to your appointment and update it regularly.
  
• It is important to tell your doctor personal information — even if you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Remember, your doctor is used to hearing all sorts of things.
  
• Always bring your medicines or a list of the medicines you are taking, including when and how often you take them, and at what strength. Mention any allergies or reactions you have had to your medicines.
  
• Tell your doctor about any herbal products you use or alternative medicines or treatments you receive.
  
• Ask questions. If you don't, your doctor may think you understand everything that was said.
• Write down your questions before your visit. List the most important ones first to make sure they get asked and answered.
  
• You might want to bring someone along to help you ask questions. This person can also help you understand and remember the answers.
  
• Ask your doctor to draw pictures if that might help to explain something.
  
• Take notes and ask for written instructions.
  
• If you have a question, ask it, even if it’s more than once.

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

If you have asthma, ask your doctor: Has there been any change in my asthma since my last visit? What can I do to reduce my asthma triggers? What kind of exercises can I do with asthma? Are there any new treatments for my type of asthma? Should I be taking any additional treatments for my asthma? What medications are available to treat asthma with an allergic component? Should I be doing something or taking anything more to help better manage my asthma symptoms and attacks? What steps can I take to help prevent an allergic asthma attack? Do you have any suggestions for making it easier to live with my asthma? Source:WebMD® (www.webmd.com)	If you have diabetes, tell your doctor: About times you’ve had high or low blood glucose levels What adjustments you’ve made to your diabetes care plan What other illnesses you’ve had since your last visit What medicines you are taking now If your life has changed in any way Your doctor will: Weigh you and measure your blood pressure Look in your eyes Look at your feet Review your treatment plan to measure your progress in meeting goals and see where you are having problems Source: American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org)	If you have a heart condition, ask your doctor: What are the signs of heart disease? How can I tell if I’m having a heart attack? What is my risk for heart disease? What can I do to lower my risk? What are my cholesterol and triglyceride levels and what should they be? What is my blood pressure and what should it be? What is my blood sugar level? Am I at risk for diabetes? Do I need screening tests for heart disease? If so, what tests? How do I get the tests and the results? What is a healthy weight for me? What should I eat to keep my heart healthy? What activity level is right for me? How can you help me quit smoking? Source: womenshealth.gov (www.4women.gov)