Next time you go to the doctor, make sure you get the most out of the visit. Doctor's visits are costly and often rushed, so make sure you're prepared with the right questions and information to make the best of your next visit to the doctor's office.

1) Write down questions for your doctor.

This is one of the best ways to make the most out of your appointment. Make your next doctor's visit more effective by preparing a list of questions in advance. Make sure to give the list to your doctor or nurse at the beginning of the visit for a more focused discussion with your doctor.

Many patients are overwhelmed with information from many sources, including the Internet, television and medical advertising. If you present a summary of medical questions in advance, you'll find you will get a much more focused discussion and your office visit will be more productive.

2) Find a good doctor you can communicate with.

Doctors are busy; everyone knows that. But your medical visits shouldn't feel like a stop in the drive-through window. When you go to the doctor, make sure you feel comfortable asking questions and having an open dialogue about your health. Find doctors with whom you can communicate openly and efficiently. If your cares are fully understood, you will be more confident in the advice and treatment you receive.

Communication in the doctor's office should never be one way, the doctor asking all the questions and then doling out advice.

An effective doctor will spend adequate time with each patient, welcome questions and listen to your concerns.

3) Keep your medical records.

Keeping your own copies of your family's medical records is one of the best ways to improve your medical care.

Patients and families often change communities and doctors. Too often, patients come to a medical office without the record of their medical history. When that happens, it causes a delay in medical care until necessary records are obtained.

Don't rely on the doctor's office to transfer information, maintain your own copies of medications, allergies, operations, immunizations and copies of individual medical records from other offices.

4) Maintain a summary of family health history.

Often, the greatest indicator of illness is genetic. Keep a record of illnesses, including asthma, allergies, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. It's also important to notify your physicians of other conditions they may not ask about, such as blood clotting disorders, cystic fibrosis or hereditary cancers. These conditions are less common, but they can be passed from generation to generation.

5) Make sure your immunizations are up to date.

Not only should your immunizations be kept up to date, but it's important to make sure your family has all available immunizations.

There are a variety of new immunizations available for children and adults.

At your next visit, ask your doctor or pediatrician to review each family's immunization records to see if there are any new or updated immunizations that you have not considered.

Learn more about this author, A. South.
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