Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) recently launched a new free information resource for consumers: "Guide to Making the Most of Your Annual Doctor's Visit" -- a tool that will help patients to be more effective in communicating with their Doctors.

According to Dr. Robert Berkow, editor emeritus of The Merck Manuals (the world's best-selling medical reference):

"Many people arrive at a visit unprepared and forget to ask their doctors important questions. Open communication with your physician can help identify potential health problems when they are still preventable and easily treatable.

Following your doctors' advice is critical in maintaining and improving health. But when people don't remember exactly what their doctor said, or forget altogether, important recommendations can be overlooked."

The "Guide to Making the Most of Your Annual Doctor's Visit", created with the input of doctors and patients, advises people to spend a few minutes before each doctor's visit thinking about any recent changes in health or questions to be discussed with their doctor.

Such kind of preparation can help patients have a more productive visit with their doctor and also can ensure that people do not leave the office with questions they forgot to ask.

The "Guide to Making the Most of Your Annual Doctor's Visit" is a concise 12-page pocket Guide that also encourages patients to record their doctor's advice and provides space to track health goals along with a notes section.

You can receive a free copy of the "Guide to Making the Most of Your Annual Doctor's Visit" by downloading (pdf file), requesting for a brochure or by calling (888) Merck-38 (888-637-2538).

Source: PR Newswire