You just had an appointment with your doctor. Was it a good experience? It’s important that it was, because a good experience with your doctor means you’re more likely to follow through on his or her recommendations. Here are things you should look for to know if you had a good experience.

Your provider should:

1. Care about you as a person.
2. Know the important information about your medical history, including up-to-date information about care you received from specialists.
3. Listen carefully to you and show respect for what you have to say.
4. Explain things in a way that is easy for you to understand.
5. Answer your questions to your satisfaction.
6. Spend enough time with you.
7. Give you easy to understand instructions about taking care of yourself, including how to use medications.
8. Follow up with you about test results.
9. Offer timely appointments, care and information.
10. Have an office staff that is helpful, courteous and respectful.

Here are some more tips and a handy checklist.