Health Tip: Perfecting the Patient/Doctor Relationship

(HealthDayNews) -- Patients who have good relationships with their doctors tend to be more satisfied with their care -- and have better results.

Here are some suggestions from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to help you and your doctor become better partners in your health care:

• Give your doctor information -- don''t wait to be asked. Compose a "health history" list -- including any drugs, supplements and alternative products you take -- and keep it up to date.
• Bring to your next office visit a list of questions to ask your doctor, ranked in priority order.
• Follow up after your appointment. If you have questions, problems with your medicine, or your symptoms get worse, call.

-- Anne Thompson