[jyl]

My PCP is friendly, always have time to show me my chart, explain test results, discuss whatever the issue is, chat about whatever, in a fairly short time slot.

The reason, besides that he is a good doctor, is that we use the hospital's messaging system. When I'm going to come in, I log in and send him a message. Doc, these are my issues and questions, can you set up the appropriate labs. He places the order, I drop by the lab and give blood or whatever. A couple days later the results come in, I get them electronically and he gets them. I look at the values, compare them to my previous values, list whatever questions I have, go in for my appt. He already has the labs he wants, so after physically examining me he is done and we get things done so efficiently that we have time to talk bikes.

Obviously I've also gone in on a more urgent basis - kidney stone etc - without the preparation.