Make the most of your doctor visits. Be prepared, and don't be shy about asking questions. Following are some helpful tips:

• Write your questions down before you go to your appointment.
  
  
• Have as much of your personal information written down as possible. Use My Medical History as a guide. This will help you concentrate on any new information the doctor will give you rather than having to think about what has happened in the past.
  
  
• Don't be shy about taking notes.
  
  
• Refer to your written questions. Read Questions to Ask the Doctor for help preparing your questions.
  
  
• Ask as many questions as you need to make sure that you are comfortable with all of the information your doctor is sharing with you.
  
  
• If you don't understand something, ask to have it explained again.
  
  
• Bring someone with you.
  
  
• Ask if you can tape record the conversation.
  
  
• Try to keep all of your information in one place. It will make it easier to find later. You may want to buy a binder or folder to keep all your papers and records together.
  
  
• Ask for educational material that might be available (books, pamphlets, tapes, and videos).