It’s National Women’s Health Week (May 11-17). So celebrate it by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider, OB/Gyn or local health center. And while you’re at your next well visit, we’ve got some tips that will help get you the best medical care possible.
Right now, the healthcare system doesn’t lend itself to being patient-centric. So it’s important to advocate for yourself within the medical environment. According to Seth Ginsberg, President of the Global Healthy Living Foundation, a New York-based non-profit advocacy organization focused on improving the quality of life for people with chronic illness.
Having suffered from debilitating and chronic pain herself. Patient advocate and author Martine Ehrenclou recognizes the importance of being proactive when it comes to personal healthcare. In her book The Take-Charge Patient. How You Can Get the Best Medical Care, Ehrenclou offers helpful tips ranging from how to find the right doctor. And prepare for medical appointments to how to navigate complex healthcare systems, manage health insurance and get discounted medication.
Among the tips offered in her book, Ehrenclou highlights five that you should take to heart if you want to get the best medical care possible:
1. Come prepared for doctor’s appointments with a list of questions.
Keep a medical journal complete with daily entries on how you’re feeling. A list of any side effects caused by medication and questions for doctors.
“This allows you to think about what you want out of the doctor’s appointment ahead of time,” says Ehrenclou. “It also prevents you from getting sidetracked by a conversation with your doctor or nurse. And forgetting what’s most important to you.” During the visit, write down the answers to your questions so you can refer to the information later. Everyone gets anxious in a doctor’s office and anxiety can interfere with memory.
2. Find out about your doctor before you see him/her.
Before seeing a new doctor, make sure you do some research to find out if he or she has a good reputation. Even if the doctor was recommended by family, friends or other medical professionals. It’s still a good idea to go online to check his or her history.
“You don’t want to blindly put your health into a professional’s hands that you know nothing about,” advises Ehrenclou. If you’re Internet savvy, you can go to the Federation of State Medical Boards. And see if your doctor is licensed in your state. You can also check HealthGrades and look up information on your doctor’s background. Number of years in practice, specialty and board-certification.
“Many people make the mistake of simply going to see a doctor because they were referred by another medical provider or friend,” says Ehrenclou. “If you aren’t Internet savvy, call the doctor’s office and ask for his or her (qualifications).”
3. Get informed about your diagnosis and treatment plan.
All too often patients agree to a treatment plan without understanding what it entails or if it’s truly necessary.
“It’s too easy to agree to a treatment plan, such as surgery, because of fear or an urgency to get out of pain quickly,” warns Ehrenclou. If you have the time and it’s not a medical emergency, ask questions about your diagnosis and treatment plan. You should also ask about the risks and benefits of the treatment plan and if there are alternatives to that treatment plan.
“We’ve all been in a situation when we’ve agreed to a treatment and weren’t told about the after-affects and were surprised and maybe frustrated when our recovery was not what we expected.”
4. Partner with your doctor or nurse regarding your medical care.
Remember that you don’t have to stay silent when it comes to your health and the care you need. “If you participate in your care and work in partnership with your provider, the quality of your care will increase,” says Ehrenclou. “Moreover, you’ll experience fewer medical errors, and you’ll be better satisfied with the care you receive. It’s the passive patients who get into trouble.”
There are several things you can do to create meaningful partnerships with healthcare providers. “Partnership means asking questions, doing some research on your own, and having a mutual discussion about your diagnosis and treatment plan,” says Ehrenclou. “It also means sharing your preferences and beliefs so your doctor can work with you to offer a treatment that works best for you.”
5. Use your pharmacist.
To ensure that your pharmacist is aware of your medical needs, Ehrenclou recommends making an appointment to meet with him or her as soon as possible.
“Pharmacists are an untapped resource,” she says. “They’re there to educate you about your medications, check for medication interactions and side effects and prevent medication errors; they can even help you manage your medications if you’re on more than one.” It’s also important to use one pharmacy to prevent errors.
Pharmacists may also be able to step in when doctors aren’t available. “If it’s a weekend and you aren’t feeling well and your physician isn’t available, you can call your pharmacist to ask for advice about over-the-counter medications to help you feel better until the doctor’s office is open,” suggests Ehrenclou.