Prepare your Questionnaire

Another important point to be borne in mind is to carry written checklists with you during every visit. Normally, you can think up a wide range of questions to ask the doctor, but as a result of the stress generated by the consultation you invariably forget most of them. Such a situation is very frustrating, and you kick yourself when you get home. To prevent this from happening, write down all the questions you need to ask in order of priority. It is also helpful to write down the doctor's answers. Studies have shown that patients forget about 50 per cent of what the doctor tells them during a visit! Writing down the doctor's answers will prevent such a 'disaster'! Moreover, your doctor also stands to benefit because you need not pester him with your queries all over again!

Prepare your Questionnaire

Another important point to be borne in mind is to carry written checklists with you during every visit. Normally, you can think up a wide range of questions to ask the doctor, but as a result of the stress generated by the consultation you invariably forget most of them. Such a situation is very frustrating, and you kick yourself when you get home. To prevent this from happening, write down all the questions you need to ask in order of priority. It is also helpful to write down the doctor's answers. Studies have shown that patients forget about 50 per cent of what the doctor tells them during a visit! Writing down the doctor's answers will prevent such a 'disaster'! Moreover, your doctor also stands to benefit because you need not pester him with your queries all over again!

Next appointment

Try to schedule your next visit at the end of the consultation. If the succeeding question-answer session is something which can be managed on the telephone, then try to do so. You could save both time and money by avoiding an unnecessary follow-up visit to the doctor's clinic.

Useful terms to talk to your doctor

The following terms can be very helpful when you talk to your doctor:

* Please tell me more about that.
* What does that mean in simple English?
* Could you explain that to me again?
* Could you write that down for me?
* Where can I find more information about this subject?
* You seem rushed.
* When can I call you to talk about this in more detail?

Ask more

Since it is your 'head on the block,' so to say, you are entitled to raise all relevant questions and seek satisfactory answers to them. If you cannot understand your doctor's explanations, ask him to repeat everything in simpler language. Ask him to show you illustrations; also, ask for written material that explains the medical issues in greater detail, so that you can study this later at leisure.

Patience with your Doctor

Do keep in mind that doctors are also human, and they are badgered by their own share of problems. On certain days they may seem rude or curt; on such days, give them a little leeway and a lot of understanding!

The more you ask, the more you will be told

Do not hesitate to share your thoughts with your doctor. If you think what he is recommending does not make sense, say so, and specify your reasons. If you're worried, do express your anxieties and find out how you can get more information and support to dispel them. If you just sit on your chair and listen meekly, your doctor will either assume that you are uninterested in a full explanation of your illness and its treatment - or that you are too stupid to understand! Remember - the more you ask, the more you will be told!