Making the Most of Your Doctor

     Patients usually have just a few minutes to discuss matters with their doctor or consultant.
     How best do you use that time? The British Medical Association's Doctor Partnership offers this advice:

• Your appointment can sometimes be quite short, and it is not always possible to go back and ask questions afterwards. It is important to be prepared and make sure you don't miss anything you would like to ask or find out.
  
  
• Make a note of any questions or concerns you might have before your appointment so you can make sure you cover anything you want to.
  
  
• Take a pen and paper, as you might want to note the important points.
  
  
• If you are going for a test, where you might need to move or remove your clothes, wear loose clothing to make it easier.
  
  
• If you are taking any non-prescription medicines, including herbal remedies, be prepared to let the doctor know what they are. You may need to tell the doctor if you are taking the contraceptive pill.
  
  
• If you are concerned about not understanding or remembering something from your appointment, you can take someone with you.
  
  

• Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your doctor will be able to help you if you have any queries or concerns, such as where to find out more information on a particular condition.
  
  
• If you don't understand what your doctor has told you, ask him or her to repeat it or write it down for you.
  
  
• If you are prescribed a drug make sure you are happy with why it has been prescribed, how it works and for how long you have to take it. Remember you can ask your pharmacist about prescription medicines; pharmacists are experts in a wide range of prescription and non-prescription drugs.
  
  
• Be direct. You may have a problem that is embarrassing or difficult to talk about, but remember that your doctor probably often has to deal with these problems. He or she will be concerned about helping you, so don't leave it until the end of the appointment to mention it. If it makes it easier, you could write it down.