When you wait two hours for a doctor who’s late, and once in the office, he orders a test, writes a prescription and sends you on your way, you leave in a cloud of confusion, realizing that you never even asked a question, Cleveland Clinic reports.

Don’t accept this. It’s the worst-case scenario of patient care.

You have rights, including the right to participate in your care rather than being a passive patient.

Your doctor should not just lecture you about losing weight, quitting smoking or undertaking some other lifestyle change. Are you ready to work on a weight-loss plan? Have you gotten serious about quitting tobacco? Without it, success is unlikely.

If you say you want a second opinion and your doctor balks, it’s not a good sign. You have a right to a second opinion.

Doctors should recognize that you know your body and your life, and you must be a part of any decisions. If your doctor orders a test that makes you uneasy, talk it through until you understand the implications. If your doctor offers a treatment you don’t understand, ask questions until you do.

Your care team should always listen to you without making you feel rushed — and without interrupting you.

Great physicians want to know what’s happening beyond your health. When they ask about your personal life, they’re not just making small talk. Knowing about depression, domestic problems and stress factors is important. All of these things can affect your health. Medicine is about more than just what symptoms you have on the day of an appointment.

Doctors should take your financial situation and insurance coverage into account so you aren’t hit with bills you can’t afford. If you have a question about whether a certain test or procedure is necessary or covered, do not be afraid to ask.

Your doctor should always take the time to explain what terms mean, and whether they refer to conditions, tests, treatments or something else. If you don’t understand, keep your doctor talking until you do.

When it comes to your treatment, avoid mysteries. Your doctor’s office should inform you about how much every aspect of care will cost. Your doctor should be open about his or her experience treating your condition, as well as the success rates — and risk — of any potential procedures.