Well informed Patient

Your visits to the doctor can be expensive, despite the fact that the actual time you get to spend with your doctor is very short! Many doctors have perfected the technique of flying into the examination room, shooting off questions, and rattling off advice. And, before you know it, you're shoved out of the door, worrying about those crucial matters you forgot to ask and the directions you forgot to write down. So, what's the solution? Is there really a secret to getting your money's worth from a doctor's visit? Yes, there is, and it's a simple one: Do your 'homework' thoroughly before visiting the doctor! In order to make the best use of your doctor's time, you need to 'prepare' for your visit, very much like you prepare for an examination. Time spent in getting organized before you go to the doctor can help immensely! A well-organized patient not only makes efficient use of the doctor's time but he is also likely to get better medical care, as he is helping the doctor a great deal in making an accurate diagnosis. A conscientious patient makes sure that he has all his medical records with him, as well as the vital questions to which he needs answers (preferably, in writing). Patients who value the doctor's time will do their best to get answers to their queries by tapping external sources such as books, libraries and the Internet, before going to the doctor's clinic. This procedure will allow them and their doctor to focus on what is important to them, so that they can make the best use of the limited 'quality time' that they have with the doctor.