Get Involved: It's Your Health
by Donna P. Mitchell
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 The current healthcare environment and today's fast paced
society present significant challenges to patients and healthcare providers. The quality
of your connection with your health care provider may in some instances drive the results
of your office visits. Being a committed participant vs. an innocent bystander in the
provider, patient relationship and process will raise the quality of your connection and
improve medical outcomes. As with any personal or professional relationship mutual
respect, honesty, and integrity are necessary elements and keys to the development. Your
relationships with your health care providers are some of the most important relationships
in your life, especially, if you are interested in maintaining a healthy one.
 Knowing the reason for your visit, what you want to
understand
about the diagnosis or prognosis, and basically what you need get out it overall, are the
essentials of a successful game plan. With managed care companies influencing not only the
fees but the frequency, type, and level of care. Being confident in asking questions, or
requesting explanations of information are some of the tactics necessary for an effective
office visit. In addition, taking a trusted family member or friend can provide
encouragement, support, or assistance especially when a patient's memory loss is an
issue.
If you are feeling rushed, you probably are, so in a tactful
way ask your provider to slow down and repeat the information again, or in a different
way. In addition, if you don't understand what he or she is saying, ask for a diagram, or
anatomical chart if appropriate. Most providers are interested in helping their patients
understand and prefer to see a serious level of interest and patient compliance in
changing lifestyles, and taking medications.
Here are some of my favorite web sites for research and/or
understanding. However, remember you are not a trained medical provider so always see
your physician or health care provider.
When managing your health care or preparing for an office
visit I suggest:
- Knowing medicines, strengths, and dosing instructions
- Taking all medications, vitamins and herbal medicines with you
- Writing down specific questions and/or concerns
- Checking to ensure applicable lab reports and diagnostic results have been transmitted to your health care provider
- Having a great pharmacist that is knowledgeable, and cares about your health
If you have a serious illness or several specialists:
- Be sure to reconfirm appointments and keep timely follow ups
- Start requesting, keeping, and filing copies of lab results, diagnostic reports, and physician notes
- Keep notes on additions, deletions, or changes to medication and why
- Seek a second or third opinion if possible regarding surgery or other invasive procedures
- Utilize one pharmacy for all prescriptions; this will help identify conflicts in medications etc.
- Read pharmacy provided prescription information
At the end of the day, you are accountable and responsible
for your health. So let's get involved, start engaging in conversation, increasing
awareness and understanding. It is the health of our mind, body, and spirit that will
provide the landscape of our being in full communion with the Body of Christ.
Peace and Blessings,
Donna
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