Choosing a Doctor     

Having a good talk with your doctor may be the best medicine around. Studies show that when patients are satisfied with how they can discuss problems with their doctors, they tend to recover from illnesses more easily. Still, for many people a trip to the doctor is stressful. And unless you are prepared to play an active role during your visit, you may forget much of what the doctor tells you, and you will be less likely to follow his or her advice.

Finding a Good Match

Finding a doctor with whom you feel comfortable can make a big difference in the quality of your health care. Doctors, like everyone else, vary widely in their communication skills and the value they place on the personal aspects of your relationship. It is very important, then, that you establish a relationship with a doctor who matches your needs and values.

Use your first meeting with your doctor as a time to explore your expectations of one another. In fact, your first meeting doesn't have to be for an examination. Many doctors are willing to meet with prospective patients for informational interviews. In addition to giving the doctor information about your medical history, the interview will help him or her understand how much of the medical decision making you wish to participate in and how much information you want about your health condition.

For some people, a good relationship with a doctor is a very important part of their health care. For others, the doctor's personality and communication skills can be overlooked as long as he or she is highly skilled and knowledgeable. If you fall in the first group and are seeing a doctor who, although highly skilled, has a poor bedside manner, you may be better off changing doctors. If you are in the second group, however, you may well think this type of doctor is highly professional.

No matter what you look for in a doctor, it's important that you find one with whom you feel comfortable and confident -- even if that means changing doctors. But remember that an ongoing relationship with a doctor increases your chances of getting the best possible health care.

Your Doctor as Educator

The average adult visits the doctor more than four times a year, and the most common reason for a visit is for preventive services such as physical examinations or health screenings for such diseases as colon, breast, or prostate cancer. Many find the doctor's advice about preventing health problems to be very motivating, so judge a doctor on how interested he or she is in your personal health habits. Will the doctor advise you on habits such as drinking and smoking?

Is the doctor concerned about your diet or exercise practices? Finally, keep in mind that most of the health problems you will face are chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes -- conditions that require long-term care involving many health professionals. So find out if your doctor works well with other health care team members such as dietitians, physical therapists, counselors, and health educators. When it comes to handling long-term health problems, a team approach is considered the most effective. Keep in mind that an effective team approach is one in which you are at the center of the team, involved and communicating your needs clearly and consistently. Choose a doctor you want on your team, working as an expert and a concerned partner.