Every primary care physician knows this undeniable truth: patients today are more informed about their health than ever (which is a very good thing).

Thanks to information about vital concerns like medical conditions, insurance and billing that they can read about on the web, many patients aren't shy about wanting you, as their doctor, to allow them as much access to their care and records as possible.

You should do just that; allowing your patients to have certain essential information will foster a better relationship with them, and can actually help you, as a doctor, communicate more fruitfully about their health during office visits.

Read on to find out the right ways to provide more transparency for your patients, while respecting the rules of your healthcare organization, and relevant laws as well.

Don't skimp on appointment times.

A BMJ study found that PCP consultations last a grand total of five minutes or less for half the world's population. The good news is that most U.S. doctors spend an average of 20 minutes with their patients.

Still, when your waiting room gets jammed, it can be tempting to cut appointment times. Work with your office manager on improving your overall daily scheduling so you can ensure each patient that 20- minute visit, which is plenty of time to delve into the details of their conditions, as well as perform a thorough exam.

Allow your patients to record their visits.

The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice reports that many patients feel most informed, and understand the details of their conditions, treatments and medication usage, when they're allowed to record a doctor's appointment on their cellphones.

Some health organizations are even developing websites so patients can watch their recorded visits from home later to review this essential information. Make sure your state law specifically allows recording — if so, encouraging patients to do so can increase their medical compliance measurably.

Let your patients read visit notes promptly.

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center finds that a patient who is given the option to read a doctor's written impressions of an appointment report gaining more confidence in that doctor, and gaining better comprehension of a diagnosis.

Record your notes in a timely manner so that your health organization can have them available in their records office for any interested patients' utmost convenience.

Encourage questions.

Let each of your patients know they can ask you anything that's worrying them. Be very clear in explaining how any procedures they need will happen. Inform them precisely why they may need a specialist, and what that specialist will do in conjunction with the ongoing care you provide for them.

Ask questions, too.

Read your patient's face after you explain their treatment or referral, and note whether you see any confusion or apprehension.

Then, nip this problem in the bud immediately — it's fine to be completely honest and say, "I kind of get the sense you're unsure about where things are going next. What's concerning you? Are you feeling any fear?"

This open approach to engagement will quickly draw your patient out, making sure he or she is comfortable enough to discuss whatever's still troubling. This is just another great reason to present your clinical process as a completely open book; you'll become a more efficient doctor when there's no guesswork between you and the people you care for.