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Consumer Advocacy Did You Know? Make The Most Of Your Doctor's Appointment When we make an appointment with a doctor, sometimes we forget how much information the doctor needs from us. We know the reason for the visit, our level of concern and our questions. We know the prescriptions we take, other doctors we have seen, and test results that they have in their files. With a bit of planning, the delivery of this information to the doctor and then learning new information is easier and more effective. Begin planning before you make the appointment. Be ready to give the doctor or nurse the information they need in a clear, concise form. Be ready for the appointment The Visit Being prepared helps you to feel calmer when you talk to the doctor, nurses and other staff. It will be easier for you to understand what they say. Make sure your questions are answered, and take notes. You are there because you know all of them have knowledge and information to share with you, too. Health Care Advice on the Web: Fact or Fiction? Knowledge is power and information is strength. As a wise consumer you want easy access to health care information on any topic important to you. But how can you separate valid, reliable information from biased, inaccurate information? The following are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine the value of what you read: These questions are not meant to be inclusive. If you are interested in further guidelines to evaluate online information, you might be interested in Ten C's for Evaluating Internet Resources by Betsy Richmond and The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: or Why It's A Good Idea to Evaluate Web Sources by Susan E. Beck. Remember, evaluating online health care information is ultimately your responsibility. Check Your Doctor's Certification The basic training of a physician specialist includes four hears of pre-medical education in a college or university and four years of medical school, in which a Doctorate of Medicine or a Doctorate of Osteopathy is earned. After that, some physicians spend at least two or three years of specialty training under supervision. This is called a residency. Board certification means the residency is complete and the physician has passed a national exam called a board. Training in certain subspecialties can take an additional two to three years. The American Board of Medical Specialties certifies physicians in 24 specialty areas and 74 subspecialties. Check to see if your physician is board certified. You Are Your Own Best Advocate
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