Clever is one thing, sometimes just clear prompting (I want to know how to be better informed about what kinds of topics or questions to speak to the doctor/professional about) can go a long way.

Being clear that not all lawyers or doctors (in this example) are experts in every area of medicine and law, and knowing what to know and learn about and ask about is usually a helpful way.

While professionals have bodies for their standards and ethics, like most things it can represent a form of income, and depending on the jurisdiction, profitability.