I would like to share a few thoughts on how to get the most out of visits to your doctor. God calls us to be good stewards of our health and health resources. We know God is our Great Physician, but our physicians today are not all knowing as God is.

My grandmother thought the doctor should be able to tell what was wrong with her without her sharing how she felt at the time. After all, he was the doctor and was supposed to know. But there are some simple things we can to do assist the doctor or nurse practitioner in meeting our health needs.

First, prepare for the doctor's visit. Make a list of your symptoms and any other concerns you have. Write them down, since you may not remember all them when you are at the doctor's office, especially if you are not experiencing them at the moment. Also, make a list of all the medications you are taking, including how much and when you take each one. Don't forget to list your vitamins, minerals, herbs and over-the-counter medications as well as prescriptions. Many of us use complementary therapies and don't remember to share this. These products can impact our health and other treatments or medications that are prescribed. Sometimes it is helpful if you take your medications with you if you do not have a list.

Second, before you leave the office, be sure you understand what the doctor said. Another checklist may be helpful:

• Do you understand your diagnosis?
• What other tests need to be done and what are the risks and benefits of these tests?
• What is the treatment plan, including risks and benefits?
• What is the likelihood of full success of the treatment?
• How will it affect other health problems?
• When does the treatment need to start?
• Is the problem curable or treatable?
• Are there alternative ways to treat the problem?
• What is likely to happen if you don't do anything about the problem?
• How much of the cost will insurance cover?
• What kind of follow-up is needed?
• What symptoms should be reported to the doctor?

Third, prevent office amnesia. Take notes on what is said during the visit. Another idea is to take another person with you. Often the other person can help you remember what you wanted to ask and what the doctor tells you. I have also heard that some take a tape recorder to record what the doctor says. Be sure to ask all the questions you need to ask. If your physician does not have time to answer your questions, perhaps you need to consider getting a second opinion or seeing another practitioner.

One last question—why do you have to wait so long to see the doctor? Often the reason is because the doctor had to take care of an emergency before seeing those waiting in the office. Other times it is because the doctor is taking time to answer all the questions of the patient being seen. I have spent many hours waiting to see a doctor. I don't mind so much when I know that the doctor will give me full attention and answer all my concerns when my time comes.

Remember that information is available from your parish nurse. Please see me if I can help in any way. I can help interpret lab reports and other information, recommend reliable websites and provide other information on a variety of health topics.

*Adapted from Seasons For Wholeness Monthly Themes and Programming for Parish Health Ministry, Volume IV, Health Ministries I.C.A.R.E.