New insurance requirements are also taking their toll on physicians. "Doctors have to decide how they want to practice, and everyone has a different threshold for that," says Stutz. "If their goal is to maintain their income at a specific level, they have to practice differently. Because of changes in fees and reimbursements, to make the same amount of money, they have to see more patients in a day."

"I don't know how a GP does it," says Shoemaker. In order to keep up with the paperwork, some doctors in smaller practices are documenting visits on laptop computers while patients are still in the room, but he believes that "just breaking eye contact takes you away from the patient.." He says larger practices, like his Center for Sight, use support personnel so doctors can concentrate on the patient.

And how can you make sure your doctor-and you-concentrate on getting the most out of each visit?. Stutz suggests that you rank your concerns so you can address the most important ones first.

He cites a Michigan State University study that showed when patients begins to talk about their problems, doctors begin interrupting to ask questions after an average of only 18 seconds. "If the patient is not assertive the doctor will take control of the agenda. Get your issues on the table immediately."

He also suggests you keep an updated medical checklist detailing all medications, dosages and when you take them. List past surgeries and drug allergies. This will save time filling out new patient forms and can prevent potential drug interactions in seniors, who tend to be on multiple medications for different ailments.

Once you're back in the examining room, take notes. "My biggest pet peeve is for anyone to come and not take notes," says Tingle. "It's very difficult for a physician to know if every patient understands what you say"-including young patients, "because they tend to be more flippant about their health care."

And don't be afraid to take someone into the examining room with you. "Regardless of age, having two people there is better than one," says Tingle. "I've had patients come in with a tape recorder and tape the session so they can play it back when they get home."

Finally, be informed. "Do background on a provider," suggests Shoemaker. And that research should extend to whatever treatments they suggest. "People who come in suspicious waste precious time and energy. The patients who do the best have confidence and trust in the procedures they're having."

Remember, it's your time, too. Use it wisely.

INTERNET AID

Here are some sites that even doctors trust.

Food & Drug Administration

www.fda.com

Medscape

www.medscape.com

National Institutes of Health

www.nih.gov

American Medical Association

www.ama-assn.org

WebMD

www.WebMD.com

MyFlorida.com (allows you to search professional licenses)

http://ww2.doh.state.fl.us/irm00praes/praslist.asp

American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

www.plasticcsurgery.org

Mayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.com

National Institutes of Health

American Urologic Association

Dr. Koop

www.drkoop.com