he is making decisions for you, so if you're not prepared to ask the right questions, your options could be limited to assumptions your provider makes. If you want to start birth control, or switch methods, tell your provider which methods you're interested in and, if necessary, why you think those methods could be a fit for you. This is where the information you gathered pre-visit about methods or medications of interest will come in handy. Stage 4: Make a plan. At this stage you'll work with your provider to decide on a specific health care action plan. Do be realistic. As you and your provider discuss a plan of care, make sure you're being honest with your provider -- and with yourself -- about what will work for you over time. If you know your schedule is nuts and you won't be able to remember a pill every day, tell your provider that and ask if there's another option. Do take (more) notes. Research shows that patients start to forget what their providers said just 20 minutes after a visit. Taking notes during your visit and repeating your care plan back to your provider is way better than realizing a day (or even an hour) later that the plan is already hazy. Part 3: After the visit (Done yet? Depends how you're feeling...) Don't be afraid to get a second opinion. If you get along with your provider, it should be easy to tell her or him that something