Top tips on the patient-doctor relationship

Feel a little intimidated by a visit to your doctor? You’re not alone. But it’s your health and you owe it to yourself to get the answers you need. Read on for tips on how to get the most out of a doctor’s appointment.

A Dutch study found that half of all visitors to the family doctor hadn't decided in advance what they wanted to talk about, 77 percent did absolutely nothing to prepare for their visit and 80 percent didn't bring a list of questions with them.

Given the brevity of most doctors' appointments, being ready to give — and get — information should be your top priority. You'll feel more confident when talking with your doctor — and you'll get the answers and info you need — when you make a list of questions and prioritize them.
The bonus: In one review of 33 office-visit studies, researchers found that people who brought checklists got more time with their doctor.
Your doctor is here to help you and the more open you are about your issues, the more chance you’ll make some headway with the next steps for taking are of your health.
Don’t be shy: practice and ask
Once you're in the exam room, don't be afraid to give your doctor the list so he can see your questions. Then ask him to give it back so that you can refer to it.
Here's a great tip for getting the most out of your visit; rehearse your questions. In one study, older people who practised their questions just before a doctor's appointment were nearly twice as likely to speak up during the visit as people who didn't rehearse.

Request a referral to a certified diabetes educator. This professional, usually a registered nurse, dietician or pharmacist, has specialized diabetes training and will have more time to spend with you than your doctor.

He or she can help you adopt, adapt and adhere to the better behaviours that will help improve your blood-sugar control. This person can answer questions about your medications, show you how to give yourself insulin shots, help you check blood sugar effectively, suggest better ways to keep track of your blood-sugar records and more.

Going to the doctor’s makes most people a little nervous but there’s no need to let these feeling take over the purpose of your visit. Your health is the most precious thing you have so prepare well for your appointment and get the answers you need. These simple tips will help you and your doctor decide on the best way to proceed for your healthcare.