Let's face it when you're newly diagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness your life can seem like one long never-ending doctor's appointment.
Managed care has changed how doctors see patients, namely making the appointment times shorter and they now see more patients.
That's a little different for specialists, but the insurance companies are still calling the shots.
The time you spend in your doctor's office is a perishable commodity so make the most of it with these three tips.
Do Your Homework The doctor's office is not the time to begin thinking of questions.
You've had a couple of weeks since your last appointment, what have you been doing with your time? Create a notebook that is specific for questions to ask the doctor.
If you're prepared when you walk in you can not only ask the questions but you'll probably have time for a good dialogue.
If you didn't get through all your questions ask the doctor if you could leave them a copy and would they or one of their knowledgeable staff send you an e-mail with the answers.
Keep Track of Your Health Your dedicated notebook will become a treasure trove of information for your healthcare provider.
It will be filled with the questions we mentioned above, but it should also contain a list of symptoms you've been experiencing.
When you can share with the doctor the symptom, the frequency, the duration and the intensity they'll be able to make a better diagnosis or zero in on the necessary tests.
Remember, you're in this together with your doctor.
You are his co-health detective.
Don't Wait When Things are Bad I've witnessed too many people who suffer with their symptoms until one of the two things happen, the problem gets much worse, or you end up in the emergency room.
Here's a tip: when seeing a specialist they know you're going to have problems and they don't want you to wait till it's an emergency.
The problem is that when you wait till your next appointment to share your distress you may have caused too much damage.
Give yourself and your doctor the advantage of catching things in the early phase.
Trust me, if you're becoming a pest the doctor will politely let you know.
If that's the case that could be the time to visit a therapist, clergy person or coach to help you manage your anxiety.
Your doctor is there to guide you on your journey to wellness.
They can't help you if you aren't open and communicative.
It may be a new thing to open up to someone, especially a stranger about your bowel habits or other sensitive topics; it's nothing they haven't heard before.
It will become easier over time as you create your relationship with the doctor, but when you're newly diagnosed you're going to have to take that leap of faith to make your doctor your ally.