Make the Most of Your Time with Your Doctor In order to make the most of your visit with your doctor, it will be helpful to have the answers to some basic questions ready. By collecting the following information prior to your visit, you can make sure you spend the bulk of your time talking with your physician about the issues that really concern you. At a minimum, your doctor will likely ask you about: • All current and past illnesses, as well as any chronic conditions you may have • A list of prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take • A history of immunizations • Your family medical history • What brings you to the doctor's office Be ready to tell your doctor about your chief complaint or present illness as clearly and concisely as possible. Your doctor shouldn’t have to dig information out of you. Request a verbal summary In the stressed and compressed time of a doctor's appointment it's very common for communication to be impaired. It’s alright to ask for a brief summary to make sure all points are covered and necessary prescriptions filled out. Ask what kind of follow-up is needed. Be prepared to take notes. When you're talking with your doctor, always ask if you don't understand specific words the doctor is using or if what your doctor is recommending is not clear. Be sure you leave the doctor's office with a clear understanding of your particular situation. Schedule Regular Check-ups Most medical conditions benefit greatly from early detection. By scheduling regular check-ups with your doctor, you can feel confident you're doing everything you can to address issues before they become dangerous. Talk to your doctor about what a healthy weight should be for you, make sure you're taking the tests appropriate to a person at your age (such as mammograms and prostate exams) and never be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something your doctor has said. Focus on Trustworthy, Credible Sources of Healthcare Information With the growth of the Internet, there are now also thousands of Web sites offering general and in-depth information on health care and healthy living. But be careful because these sites are not necessarily regulated. Your doctor may have suggestions for credible websites that will assist you in your research about a particular condition.