http://thecheerfuloncologist.blogspot.com/2004/10/how-to-get-your-doctor-to-list
en-to.html

I've skipped (most of) the foreword, maybe some of these will be helpful
and/or amusing.

Have you ever been diagnosed with a serious illness, or known someone
facing such a health crisis? Do you recall how anxious you were to get the
true facts about the situation? At such a time we all rely on our doctor
to communicate clearly the details of the illness and the plan to treat
it. Unfortunately, many doctors possess meager skills in counseling;
others are talented speakers but poor listeners, and all doctors are
rushed for time. This often leads to an unsatisfying visit.

The Practical Tips

1. At the beginning of the visit, tell the doctor you have questions -
this warns him or her that counseling will be a part of the visit.

2. Write down your questions, and give a copy to the doctor so you both
can go through the list together.

3. Do not be shy about asking the doctor to repeat the answer, or phrase
it in more easily understandable language. A good doctor does not assume
patients understand esoteric medical terms.

4. Invite the doctor to sit down, which brings all to eye level, and
creates a less hurried setting.

The Psychological Tips (which create leverage - use with caution!)

1. Bring lots of family to the visit - the more the merrier. We docs tend
to spend less time counseling the solitary patient.

2. Don't hesitate to announce any relatives in the room who are attorneys,
whether they litigate or not. Attorneys get the doctor's rapt attention!
If you don't have a lawyer in the family, dress all males in suits - looks
impressive, if not intimidating.

3. If any family member is a doctor - sibling, offspring, nephew, niece -
let it be known at once, whether they are in the room, or live nine states
away. Rare it is to find the physician who would disappoint a physician's
family member.

4. Produce a tape recorder, and say, "You don't mind if I record this,
doctor? My family will want to hear what you have to say." This is the
ultimate weapon against the lackadaisical counselor!

Now go, and be an advocate with confidence!