The following guidelines are compiled from 30+ years of wrestling with the medical profession. Some of what is suggested here may result in a better medical outcome but in general the following, if it has any value, it is because it may lower your frustration level and maybe help you avoid some pitfalls.
1. No matter how good and reliable the system that you have set up may be, it will eventually self destruct. You may wish to plan for this in advance.
2. As part of above, doctors do not last forever. They wear out, retire, get weird, or other.
3. You may potentially extend the service life of your doctor(s) by minimizing what you tell your doctor. The worst thing you can do is to honestly explain what is going on, it is likely to freak them out and cause them to "get clever" and make your life worse.
4. If you tell them too much, they will just use that information against you. Do not give them that opportunity.
5. Although the doctor(s) think they are in charge, in fact you are the one making decisions here. Just like a lawyer ultimately it is your responsibility, not theirs.
6. The best advice anyone can give you is to have a lot of money. The health system can be made to function somewhat without money, or with less money, but it is much harder.
7. At any time, the doctor upon whom you rely may choose to make your life miserable and, for example, make it impossible for you to work. Do not think that they give a hoot, they do not.
Good luck!
(insert notes about different doctor cultures)
