Doctors aren't mind readers; you have to let them know what's bothering you if you expect to get proper medical care. Arriving at health care decisions involves a partnership between doctor and patient.

As a patient, there are steps you can take which will help your doctor with diagnosis and treatment. Most patients are seen first by a nurse who checks blood pressure, weight and will question the patient concerning symptoms.

"This helps the patient start focusing," said Dr. David Catron. Often the questions of the nurse will trigger something the patient has forgotten. When the doctor arrives, patients may have additional comments which the doctor finds helpful.

" I get white out when thinking about going to the doctor," said Janet Voelker of Cape Girardeau. "I can guarantee my blood pressure will go up." For reasons like this, doctor's recommend patients write down questions. It's important to let the doctor know all of your symptoms. Describe completely your complaint. Know when your particular health issue started. The doctor needs to know what makes it (your health problem) feel better and what makes it feel worse.

"Be specific when expressing health concerns," said Dr. Scott Gibbs. "Let the doctor decide what is trivial." What a patient might pass off as a minor complaint can alert the doctor to some other problem.

Doctors agree the time a patient spends with the nurse is valuable.

"That time allows me more time to focus on the issues that require my knowledge and expertise," said Dr. Gibbs. "It allows me to function at my highest and best purpose."

It's vitally important that patients notify doctors of all medications they are taking. Supplements such as vitamins and food therapies should also be included. It's also better if the patient takes the medication with them when visiting the doctor. Many patients carry lists of medications, but changes may have been made they have not made note of.

"Everybody should know what the name of their medicines are, what they are for and any major possible side effects," said Dr. Catron.

All too often doctors find patients who are taking medications when they don't have an understanding of why they were prescribed.

Many patients are now being seen by nurse practioners. The nurse practioner has additional training beyond that of a registered nurse and usually see patients with non life-threatening conditions.

"They're especially helpful during the cold and flu season," said Dr. Catron, "and some are quite good at recognizing chronic diseases such as diabetes." Nurse practioners can also specialize by taking advanced training in a specific field.

Patients today are also taking advantage of the Internet. Some local physicians have on-line services which allow a patient to communicate with their doctor by e-mail. Medical sites also offer valuable information on health issues and the latest treatment options available. "The Net is a good source of information as long as the providing source is credible," said Dr. Gibbs. "Even though nothing will substitute for the expertise of your own personal physician, there is nothing more valuable than knowledge at the right time," he added.

Patients should also have expectations of their physicians. They should expect to be treated in an honest, forthright, kind and compassionate manner. The lines of communication should always be open and confidentiality must be maintained. Patients should expect to receive accurate information about their condition and be given the latest diagnostic and theraputic options available.

"A doctor should treat his patients exactly the way he would want his mother to be treated," said Dr. Gibbs.

There are many things that can be planned in our daily lives, health problems are not one of them. A patient who understands his or her problems can make a valuable difference with the assistance of the doctor in assessing the condition and determining treatment options.

"Take mental ownership of your own health problems," suggests Dr. Gibbs. By doing so patients will be better able to assist the doctor with their health care.

Before you go...

Guides for getting ready to see the doctor:

* Make a list of questions to ask the doctor including questions concerning new treatments you may have heard or read about

* Note when your particular health concern began

* Note what makes you feel better/worse

* Have all medications ready to show the doctor (in their original container)

* Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion -- many insurance companies request this and doctors are not offended