A relationship between a healthcare provider and a patient is a partnership. Both people have responsibilities and both have needs. The best way to make sure the partnership works is to have good communication.

Communication is very important when you are switching to a new healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor or your primary health care provider about your past relationships with other health care providers. Discuss what you have felt was good and bad. Talk about what it is that you expect.

You should feel comfortable enough with a doctor to bring up issues that may seem personal or embarrassing. This includes sexual issues, emotional and other personal issues. If something is important to you, you should bring it up. Physical health and emotional well-being are tied together. You should let your doctor know if you are getting a divorce, have had a death of someone close, or have been fired from a job.

To get the most out of an office visit, it often helps to make a list of things you want to talk about. Talk about what the problem is, how long it has been going on, anything you've tried to treat it, and whether it's better or worse. Always bring in a complete list of medications, including any over-the-counter medications.

Medical terms can be confusing. If you are not certain what your doctor is talking about, ask questions. Sometimes it is helpful to get the doctor or a nurse to write down anything you are afraid you might forget, such as the name of the condition you have. Ask if there are places you can get more information, or pamphlets you can read.

Remember that a primary healthcare provider is there to help you. If you have any problems with the treatment you get from your doctor or his or her staff, it is important to discuss it. If you feel you have repeatedly tried to work with a doctor and it is not working out, you may need to consider changing to another provider. Your health is important, so you need to have someone who will work with you to take care of it.

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