Too much to do, too little time...especially in the doctor's office.  The average doctor visit is only 7.5 minutes.  Whatever you do to improve communication with your doctor will make better use of that time and improve your health care.

There are specific QUESTIONS you may want to ask your doctor on a regular basis.  For example:

• What screening tests do I need and how often?  The most important tests for women are height and weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, rectal exam, Pap smear, breast exam, and mammogram.
  
  
• What conditions am I at risk for?  How can I reduce my risk?  Do I need additional diagnostic tests or vaccines?  Just ask.
  
  
• Are there any changes I should make in my medications, contraception, vitamins, supplements or herbal preparations?  Are there potential interactions between different medicines I may already be taking?
  
  
• And finally: What signs and symptoms do I need to think about as I age?

Women in their 40's, for example may want to ask about approaching menopause.  For more information, click here.

Created: 9/27/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.