Health ministry of republic of moldova the university of medicine and pharmacy nicolae testemiţanu

Appointments (engagements).
Patients want to get to see their 
doctor within a reasonable time; not weeks, but rather a few days, or, in 
the case of a person who is unwell, a few hours if possible. 
3. A “good” patient 
There are
 
some practical advises how to be a good patient, based 
especially on doctors’ expectations, as practitioners: 
- Will be mindful of the doctor's limited time. 
While some refe-
rences tell us a patient has an average of only 8-10 minutes per appoin-
tment with his doctor, other references say the average is 16-20 minutes. 
The discrepancy may be due to the kind of visit, whether the doctor is 
primary care or a specialist, or even health insurance coverage. Regard-
less of the difference, it makes most sense for us patients to prepare 
ahead for the probability that the visit will be shorter than we expect.
–
Will be concise in his communication, preparing carefully 
for meetings with his practitioner
. A well-organized patient prepares 
questions ahead of appointments, and sticks to the facts. With so little 
appointment time, you'll want to be sure your doctor has all the impor-
tant information about your problems, and has time to answer all your 
questions.
–
Will ask the meaning of words and concepts he doesn't 
understand
. Doctors are trained to use a lexicon of med-speak that 
baffles us patients. General medical terms are used by all doctors or 

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many specialties. Other words and concepts are specific to body sys-
tems, conditions, diseases or treatments. In all cases, you'll walk away 
much more satisfied from your visit, having learned what you need to 
know, if you stop your doctor and ask for a definition or description 
when he uses a concept or term you don't understand.
–