How do you get the most out of a doctor's appointment?  Ask a doctor!  Take note of the following 7 tips as recommended by Richard E. Collins, M.D. 

Get Profiles
Almost all physicians have a practice profile for new patients.  In the profile there will be a listing of associates, hours of the office, coverage, hospitals covered, insurance plans accepted, and what to do in an emergency.  These facts are very important.  If your new doctor does nbot provide this detailed information, find another.

Keep Records
As you age, your medical file becomes more complex.  Plan for emergencies by having a readily available personal record of your current health, medications and past medical history.  Also, remember that your medical records may be scattered all over different health care systems.  There are legal descriptions as to who owns your records.  You have the right to obtain any of your medical records; however, there may be some costs in obtaining them.

Know Your Numbers
Most adult Americans have had their cholesterol measured at one time, but few individuals know their total cholesterol levels or the breakdown of the good and bad cholesterol.  The common response of many patients is that "my doctor said everything was OK."  Always obtain a copy of your tests.  Learn to understand the terminology.  For example, your cholesterol reading will have terms like "HDL," which is good cholesterol (this number is ideally higher 40 or higher)  and "LDL," your bad cholesterol (thisl number should be no higher than 130).  Having these reports and knowing your numbers will come in handy for comparison in the future.

Ackowledge, Don't Diagnose
Report symptoms the way you feel them such as, "tightness in the chest" or "a sharp fleeting chest pain lasting seconds."  Use terms that have a useful meaning. The expression, "a knife-like pain in the chest" is difficult to comprehend.  Very few pain interpreters have experienced a real knife in their chest.  Answer with as much clarity as possible.  Note the severity of your symptoms, the onset, the frequency, and the reproducibility.

Be Honest
It sounds simple, but many times, we minimize our bad behaviors.  If your doctor asks about risky behavior, be frank and truthful.  Patients often will understate alcohol intake, smoking, and caffeine use.  Remember, everything you discuss with your doctor is confidential.  Being straightforward will help your doctor assist you in maintaining and improving your health.

Prioritize Complaints
Use your time wisely and comfortably, prioritizing your thoughts and concerns.  Write down your concerns, but don't pull out a 10 foot list of questions.  Prioritize your complaints.  Visiting your doctor should be like taking your car in for repairs.  Avoid the trap of bringing a long list of things that need to be done.  It will only ovewhelm the "serviceman" leaving little time for major work.

Take Notes
Physicians sometimes forget that they talk in Latin.  Ask for clarification if a term is not familiar.  Medications often have long and unfamiliar names.  Diagnoses appear to be written in a foreign language often because doctors abbreviate words.