Lauren's List: Tips For Making The Most Of Your Next Checkup

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Whether it's for a routine checkup, or for a specific ailment, it's important to go beyond "Dr. Google!"

But how do you make the most of your precious appointment time?

Today's "Lauren's List" has some tips to remember during your next visit.

1. Avoid Monday appointments: Monday is a crazy day for doctors trying to catch up on work from the weekend. Plus, sick patients who held off on going to urgent care on Saturday or Sunday usually go first thing Monday morning, which means more people crowding a waiting room, and maybe even spreading germs. Any other day will do, just skip Monday if you can.

2. On the same scheduling note, request the first appointment of the day: That doesn't mean you won't have to spend some time in the waiting room, but at least you won't be subject to a possible domino effect of delays if appointments before yours run long. Try to arrive a few minutes early so any paperwork can be filled out ahead of time.

3. Come prepared: Have a list of any recent symptoms and know what medications you're currently taking, including dosages. Jot down a plan for the topics you absolutely must discuss with the doctor, that way you don't forget or run out of time. Also, make sure you have up-to-date insurance cards so the visit goes smoothly from check in to check out.

4. Be honest, not embarrassed: If you're not taking your vitamins or drinking more than usual, make sure your doctor knows! They're not there to judge, they're there to help. They can't design an effective treatment plan if they don't know all the facts.

How do you prepare for your doctor's appointments?

Tell me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/laurenpastrananews) or Twitter (@LaurenPastrana).

Send ideas for future Lauren's Lists to lpastrana@cbs.com.