You should note:

• Any symptoms.
• Medicines you are taking. Relevant family history.
• Any recent lifestyle changes.
• Any health concerns you've had on your mind.

If you have some idea of why you're ill, you also should try doing some research on your own, using either online resources or a medical guidebook.

The more you know about your symptoms or your diagnosis, the more likely it will be that this will be a meaningful visit and you will be satisfied. The less you know, the less basis you have for evaluating what the physician is saying to you.

If your doctor prescribes a medicine, be sure to ask follow-up questions, Levin said. "Physicians often aren't terribly inclined to have a full discussion about the drug they are prescribing," he said. "You need to probe." Key questions include:

• Why are you prescribing this particular drug?
• Are there alternatives to taking this medication?
• What are the possible side effects?
• Is there a generic version that will do the same job?

And if you've been prescribed a procedure or test, ask whether there are any risks associated with it. Also ask about the chances that the test could produce a false positive, requiring further testing and treatment when you're actually healthy.

Your work hasn't finished once you've left the doctor's office. Don't let any questions that occur to you later go unanswered, particularly before you undergo a test or procedure.

If you leave and later remember an important question, call up the office and tell them you forgot one important thing you want to know. You don't have to reschedule an appointment just to get an answer. Some doctors will take the time to call you back or will have a nurse call you with the answer. Other doctors will communicate by e-mail.

Other tips that can save patients money and improve their health include:

• Setting up a well-stocked home pharmacy. With that in place, you can treat many illnesses that don't require a doctor's attention without having to leave the house. Suggested items include antacids, antihistamines, diarrhea medicine, decongestants, throat antiseptics, pain relievers and laxatives.
• Taking advantage of free health fairs and health screenings. Valuable tests often are offered at no charge at these events. Just make sure you share the results with your doctor.

From USATODAY.com