The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants you to take some responsibility for your health. As the FDA website notes, "Doctors, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, and YOU make up your health care team." How can you get the most from a visit with your doctor?

First, wear casual clothes that are easy to get on and off. Wear comfortable shoes, too, because you may have to do some walking. It's wise to wear a long-sleeved shirt because buildings can be drafty or overly air-conditioned. Carry your appointment information, magazines to read, a fascinating book, and a bottle of water in a tote bag.

When you talk to your doctor focus on one complaint. (You may detail additional complaints later.) Compiling information for your doctor can take weeks so allow enough lead time. You may have to check with relatives to get some of the information. Bring typed lists with you. Here are the things your doctor needs to know.

YOUR CHIEF COMPLAINT. Why did you make the appointment? Describe your medical complaint/condition as succinctly as possible.

DETAILS ABOUT THE COMPLAINT. What are your symptoms? When did they start? Where are they located? Does anything set off these symptoms, such as rigorous physical activity?

BRING COPIES OF X-RAYS AND OTHER MEDICAL INFORMATION. The medical information may include a letter from a referring physician, the results of a biopsy, surgery records, and immunization records.

A LIST OF THE PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE YOU ARE TAKING. Make a written list of medications, the dosages, and how often you take them.

A LIST OF OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINE YOU ARE TAKING. This list includes aspirin, "baby" aspirin, ibuprofen, antacids, and vitamins. Again, list the dosages you are taking and how often you take them.

A LIST OF THE SUPPLEMENTS/HERBS YOU ARE TAKING. Include every supplement, not just a few, the dosages, and how often you take them. Supplements can throw off blood analyses and interfere with prescription medications, so be honest and precise.

YOUR PAST MEDICAL HISTORY. This information includes childhood illnesses, communicable diseases, injuries, surgeries, hospitalizations, number of children, number of live births, sexually transmitted disease(s), and tropical diseases.

YOUR FAMILY'S MEDICAL HISTORY. Does heart disease run in your family? Did your mother have breast cancer? Did other women in the family have breast cancer? Take the time to think about your relatives' health because this information will help your doctor to help you.

For more information on talking with your doctor log onto the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website, the National Eye Institute website, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. You may also read the "American Medical Association Guide to Talking to Your Doctor."

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson