The key to having a successful doctor's visit is to be able to get your questions answered and your health assessed in the shortest time possible. Nobody has time to waste, you or the doctor. So follow these tips for the most efficient and satisfying trip to the MD office:

• Plan ahead. Write down all of your medical problems and keep a symptom diary, instead of expecting to just remember everything on the spot. Be specific.
• Know how you're feeling. The doctor can't feel sick for you, so you'll have to communicate exactly what's going on or he/she won't be able to help you.
• Know your medications. Know the names, dosages, and times of everything you take -- including herbal and OTC remedies.
• Be honest, and don't leave details out.
• Get over your embarrassment -- your doctor has heard it all!
• Keep an open mind. It's one thing to be educated and have an idea going in about what the issue may be, but it's something else altogether to go in with all kinds of preconceived notions about what treatment you should be getting. Let the doctor decide, that's his/her job.
• Write things down at the appointment that you want to look up or follow-up on later, like medications or information.