News Taffy

Just the other day, my husband commented about a patient who wasn’t actively participating in his health care. Every day my husband continues to treat people who won’t quit smoking, don’t take their medicine as prescribed or even try to do anything he recommends. And they end up right back in the emergency room with another round of chest pain or a heart attack. If you are going to see a doctor, be prepared to be an active participant in your own healthcare. Don’t just sit there passively and wait to be miraculously cured. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your appointments and help your doctor help you.

Your time with the doctor is limited so before you go to your appointment, make several lists: all your current medications, supplements and the dosages, the symptoms or problems you’ve been experiencing, any questions you have for the doctor. You think you will remember but of course you always forget something.

Take paper and pen so you can make notes. It may be a good idea to take another person along to take notes for you. This is also beneficial if you think you might receive bad news or become upset. On this note, please accompany your elderly parents or relatives to their appointments. They often get confused or forget important details and need a health care advocate.

Your doctor will appreciate it if you keep a daily log of your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic and you should consider buying an inexpensive blood pressure cuff to record your daily blood pressure if you have high blood pressure. This will give your doctor a picture of your health over time and aid in deciding a course of treatment or whether the current treatment is working.

Make sure you understand any tests, procedures or treatment plans and why they are being done. Ask if there are alternatives if you aren’t comfortable with them. If you don’t understand what the doctor is saying because he or she uses too much medical jargon, speak up and ask for a simpler explanation! You also need to understand any medication that is prescribed and its possible side effects. Ask about the consequences of NOT taking the medicine or having the test or procedure done. Be honest with your doctor. If you don’t wish to have the test done or follow through with the treatment plan, tell him or her. They may not agree but you have a right to manage your health as you see fit.

Know and understand the basics of your health insurance (yes, I know this is next to impossible but try) such as your co-pay and what free screenings you are eligible for. Always review your medical bills and ask for explanations if something isn’t clear.

Do some research on any condition you have but stick to reputable sources, not your next door neighbor. This way you will have a better understanding of your treatment plan, medications and possible outcomes. These tips are especially important if you have chronic illness like diabetes. Most of all, remember YOU are responsible for taking care of yourself!