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- • Be cooperative Every doctor has seen patients who, because of anxieties—the fear of illness or death —
- simply aren't cooperative. They object to having extra blood tests or doing things that are sometimes
- necessary but that they simply don't want to do. When they come into the office, they should undress for an
- examination, yet some say, "I don't want to get undressed today." That's not the best way to get help. You
- have to follow certain patterns and be cooperative if you expect results.
- • Avoid raising irrelevant problems Your doctor is always ready to deal with important problems
- like weight loss or nausea or a swollen arm or leg. When all that has to be covered during the office visit, it's
- hard to deal with a stubbed toe or whether the pimple on your backside has to be removed. Talking about a
- half-dozen minor problems can use up half the appointment. Of course, the doctor realizes that what you are
- really saying is, "I'm scared. I'm frightened for my life." But still, discussing extraneous problems is not the
- most effective use of office time.
- • Ask the pertinent questions Unless you try to limit your questions to the most essential problems,
- you lose both focus and the chance for better explanations. All questions are relevant, but if you take a long list
- of questions you're going to defeat yourself before you begin. As a patient, you have an obligation to be
- practical and to do your best to work with your physician rather than frustrate each other.
