Are you an active or passive participant in your healthcare? Your answer to this question may be a major factor in how healthy your relationship with your doctor can be.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality says the best patient is an active one. In fact, those who communicate better with their doctors tend to be happier with their care and have better health results.

How can you strive to get this kind of relationship?

• Come to your next visit with a list of questions you want answered.


• Bring your current medications including any vitamins and supplements so you can show your doctor what you're taking.


• Be honest while you're there. Don't hold back any symptoms or your health history.


• If you don't understand everything your doctor is telling you about a condition, test or treatment, don't be embarrassed to ask again.


• When you get home, follow through by taking medications as prescribed and scheduling any tests or further appointments your doctor recommended.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has tools that can help you plan your visit and help you after your appointment. Visit www.ahrq.gov.