Partner health care allows you to play an active role in your relationship with your doctor

There are a number of things that you can do to assist your doctor. Build a good relationship with your doctor which is based on trust. Communicate to your physician about past ailments and discomforts. Work with your doctor in making decisions about your health and then follow his/her advice. Also, know when to seek medical advice. A hang nail is usually not a good reason to make a doctor appointment. An ingrown toenail probably is. Don’t waste your doctors time with trivial things that can easily be taken care of at home.

Be knowledgeable about your medical history. Make sure your doctor knows of all the medications that you are taking. Know your family’s history of disease such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis etc. Know when your immunization shots were done. Have a record of any past surgery or hospital stays.

Get prepared before you visit your doctor. Write down any questions you intend to ask. You may forget to ask some of them if your are nervous. Take a friend with you, it often helps to relieve anxiety. Write down any details of your problem like when the symptoms started, how severe and any fever, chills, nausea.   

When in the doctors office you can take notes or have your friend do it. Ask questions especially if you don’t understand what he means. Don’t be afraid to question any medications or procedures. Tell your doctor if you feel any medications are not working or may be conflicting with other meds that you are taking. If you don’t think you are getting good advice or are questioning a procedure get a second opinion. Check to make sure your insurance plan covers second opinions first.

Finally get routine medical exams and screenings like PAP smears, prostate exams, mammograms, and hypertension (blood pressure) and cholesterol checks.