medicine, healthcare and people concept - female doctor checking lymph nodes of woman patient at hospital

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Welcome to the final episode of Improving Your Health Care in 2 minutes! Last episode was on “Your Healthcare, Your Choice” (read it here!) and today’s will cover “Taking Charge”! While we of course need healthcare professionals, I think sometimes people forget that it is ultimately up to you to take charge of and advocate for your health because you, yes YOU, are the only one that fully knows your body.

There is a book called “Better Health Care in a Minute (or two)” (Kemper et al, 1993), that provides – you guessed it! – helpful tips for how to navigate health care to ensure that your health is in fact being cared for. Below is the second installment in my version of the “spark notes” of this book because it truly is important for all of us to be leaders in our own health journeys!

Taking Charge: 

“You may not think of yourself as the leader of your own healthcare team, but you are. And it’s time to take charge.”

  • Finding a doctor: 

    • Pick a generalist to be your main doctor.
      • Unless you have a chronic condition that dominates your needs, a primary care physician is a great go-to.
    • Ask for recommendations:
      • From your insurance, from friends and family, from other doctors or nurses you may know.
    • Get acquainted: Your relationship with your doctor will be most effective when they know you! Get on the same page about both of your expectations and preferences.
    • Know red flags:
      • Avoid doctors who don’t seem to listen to your input, seem to prescribe unnecessarily, or promises too much.

  • Trying alternative treatment: 

    • Many people have success with treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and even more spiritual treatments like reiki. Before you try alternatives:
      • Find out the basics of the treatment: medication interferences, risks, benefits, costs, success rates?
    • Check-in with your doctor:
      • Ask for their opinion, but let them know what you ultimately decide to do.

  • Don’t forget your doctor is a human too: 

    • If you find yourself getting frustrated, take time to cool down before expressing your concern, but do (when you are calm) let your doctor know what you didn’t like and what you would like to see change. Show your doctor respect even if you disagree with them, and if you feel like it’s not a good fit, look for a new doctor as opposed to holding resentment.
    • When things go right:
      • Take time to tell your doctor thank you or show your appreciation with a card.
      • Recommend your doctor to others.
      • Keep your doctor updated: even if you don’t go back for a follow-up, doctors love to hear that patients are improving.
      • Give yourself a pat on the back as well – you were half of the successful medical partnership that helped you heal!

Written by GUADS staff member Kate with contributions from:

Kemper, D., Mettler, M. & Alves, F. (1993). It’s About Time: Better Health Care In A Minute (Or Two). Healthwise, Inc.