Welcome to the 3rd episode of Improving Your Health Care in 2 minutes! Last episode was on “How To Communicate With Your Doctor” (read it here!) and today’s will cover “Your Healthcare, Your Choice”! 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!
Your Healthcare, Your Choice:
“You and your doctor have to agree on what to do. Welcome to the partnership.”
-
Before you see a specialist (even if your doctor refers you):
- Seeing a specialist is often more expensive than seeing your PCP, but it may give you the answers your doctor cannot. Before you commit to making that appointment, ask your doctor:
- The basics: What is their diagnosis? What are treatment options? What would seeing a specialist do?
- Specifics about this other specialist: Why is this person being recommended? Are there other options for a specialist? Would your doctor take his own family members to this specialist?
- Be open with your doctor:
- Tell them any concerns you may have, what you expect seeing this specialist to do for you (and ask if that is realistic). Also, be honest if you don’t intend to see the specialist. That is completely your choice, just keep your doctor involved!
- Seeing a specialist is often more expensive than seeing your PCP, but it may give you the answers your doctor cannot. Before you commit to making that appointment, ask your doctor:
-
Before you agree to surgery:
- Surgery is no small decision and while it may be recommended, it is ultimately up to you. Learn the basics of the recommended surgery:
- What is it called? What is the procedure? Why do you need it? Are there any other options? How long will it take to work? How can you best prepare for it if you decide to do it?
- Weigh the risks, benefits and costs:
- What are the success rates? What could go wrong / how often does this happen? How will you feel afterward? How much will it cost you and is there a less expensive option?
- Be open with your doctor:
- Tell them any concerns you may have, your expectations, if you would like a second opinion, if you need more time to decide, or if you want to decline the surgery.
- Surgery is no small decision and while it may be recommended, it is ultimately up to you. Learn the basics of the recommended surgery:
-
Before you go to the hospital:
- Pack things that will bring you joy and make you feel more comfortable, like your favorite robe, games, journals, etc.
- Keep in mind the American Hospital Association’s “Patient’s Bill of Rights”. You have the right:
- To be spoken to in words you understand
- To be told honestly what is wrong with you
- To review your medical record
- To know the benefits and risks of any treatment
- To know the cost of any treatment
- To make all treatment decisions
- To refuse any medical procedure
-
Before you leave the hospital:
- Arrange for someone to pick you up and help you at home if you need.
- Write down your recovery plan and read it back to your doctor so you are sure you are on the same page.
- Make sure you feel confident in the skills you may need (changing bandages, administering medications, etc)
- Take notes of services provided so you can compare it to your hospital bill
Stay tuned for Episode 4: “Taking Charge”!
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.
Kabocha Squash: The Squash You Didn’t Know You Were Missing