Simple ways to be a better patient

If you just have a cold, you probably don't need to read this now. But if you have something more serious, whether it's high blood pressure or cancer, you'll want to learn how to be the best patient you can be in order to make sure you get the best possible medical care. Here are some tips to keep in mind before visiting your doctor.

If you are diagnosed with a disease or disorder, learn all you can about it.

• You don't need to become an authority — and without going to medical school, you won't become the expert your doctor is — but understanding the basic facts can relieve anxiety by making your condition seem less scary, and it may even improve your odds of getting better.
• Most important, try to find out what treatment options are available for your condition. If your doctor doesn't offer you one form of therapy, ask why.
• If you're not comfortable surfing the Internet for medical information, ask a computer-literate friend or relative to work with you.
• Furthermore, your local hospital probably has a medical library; call and ask a librarian for help. You can hire a professional service to search for medical literature related to your condition, too.
• Some employers offer access to services as part of employee health plans; ask your human resources representative.

It's also important to understand what your doctor tells you about your condition and your treatment options. Too often, people walk away from an office visit more confused than when they walked in. To ensure that you come away with all the pertinent facts, take the following steps.

1. Take along a friend or relative, preferably someone who is a good listener and won't be afraid to speak up on your behalf.
2. Carry a pen and notepad and write down important information. If you don't think you can capture the information and listen at the same time, you may want to use a tape recorder.
3. Ask your doctor to explain and spell any unfamiliar terms.

In short, be polite but not a pushover. Be assertive but not bossy. Be informed but not a know-it-all. Taking the following steps will help you build a healthy, balanced relationship with your doctor and get the right care for you, with risks and benefits you're comfortable with.