You want to be as proactive about your health as you possibly can. But did you know that certain questions you never knew you should ask your doctor can actually help he or she diagnose you or provide clearer and more effective treatment options?

Never worry that a question for your doctor will seem rude or accusatory...you and your doctor should both make your health your highest priority, and the best way to ensure that happens is to always have an open, honest relationship and frank exchanges.

Whether you're seeing a specialist for the very first time or have concerns you're bringing to the attention of your longtime PCP, there are certain keyquestions it's good to be curious about — asking them shows you're responsible and want to be fully informed about your own health situation.

At the beginning of your first or next appointment, state upfront that you'd like to talk through these queries as they may apply to your medical status:

"How will the medication you're prescribing specifically help me?"

Many people just take a pill and have no idea why they're doing so. A good doctor will never hesitate to inform you about why a drug will benefit you. What's more, a good doctor will ask you how you incorporate your medicationinto your daily routine to make sure you're taking it effectively, as researchers at Iowa State University advise.

"Have you ever been accused of malpractice?"

A responsible physician should always be willing to share his/her status on such an important issue.

Interestingly, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that physicians can do this most effectively by being better trained to admit their mistakes — openness helps prevent medical errors in the long run because doctors and patients will communicate better on every level.

"How would you deal with a cancer diagnosis like mine if it happened to you?"

A doctor who is willing to discuss how he or she would approach serious illness in terms of dealing with treatment options and emotional issues is kind, compassionate and truly cares for his/her patients.

"What should I do if your staff makes a mistake involving my care?"

Was there a scheduling or prescription error you just experienced? A great PCP wants you to share that face to face so he or she can be on top of every aspect of their practice. Don't just tell the receptionist or office manager and hope for the best in terms of a resolution — go to the top.

"This symptom was unlike anything I've ever felt before is it normal?"

A good doctor wants you ask me about any symptom that scares you and not lowball it. Say you experienced a sudden decrease in hearing — don't simply chalk it up to turning your headphones up too loud.

Or worse: never avoid mentioning it altogether because you'd rather not know if it's serious. This kind of symptom COULD be a potentially serious health sign that your doctor should always want you to speak up about.

"Do you mind if I get a second opinion?"

A study from the Mayo Clinic found that almost 88% of patients who seek one end up with a new or more specific diagnosis that can facilitate an often life-saving treatment plan.Your doctor should always support your right to seek accurate health perspective, even if they differ from his or her diagnostic perspective.

When your physician puts you first, you both win — never settle for less.