Take Charge of Your Healthcare: Part I
Disclaimer: This blog will pertain to my U.S. readers; my suggestions may not apply to my international followers.
Part I: Tips for Choosing a Provider
This multipart blog is inspired by the recent illnesses and deaths of some dear friends and neighbors. Witnessing them struggle with our healthcare maze was difficult. Guiding patients on navigating the U.S. healthcare system was one of my roles as an RN. In these blogs, I will suggest some concrete ways to take charge of your healthcare.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTHCARE! “Hold on!” you say. “That’s not so easy. I have a bad family history of disease. My body has run off the railroad tracks!”
Yes, there are some health events we can’t totally control due to heredity or some environmental factors, like Diabetes, Heart Disease, or Lead poisoning from lead pipes we didn’t know we had. You don’t always have control over the poker hand you were dealt, but you can decide how you play the cards. Let me start by suggesting some steps for you to take charge.
Suggestion #1: Select the provider that is right for you. (Physician, Therapist, etc). Yes, you can choose your provider. So how do you do that?
A. Ask your friends and family for a good referral that is covered by your insurance.
B. If that provider’s panel is full and not taking new patients, go to the organization’s website and see which providers are, and then read their bio. (If you have a family member whose provider they like, ask the provider if they will add you to their panel, and they often will.)
C. Choose one that fits you best. Don’t give up.
D. Set up an appointment with this provider and interview them. Let them know you’re checking if you are a good fit.
Here was my experience a few years ago. I had the most wonderful family physician who moved on to an administrative role. I was assigned another seasoned physician. He and I did not mesh, he didn’t always listen, and he made a couple of errors in reordering my medication. I looked for other providers, but those physician panels were full or not accepting Medicare patients. So I went to the organization’s website, found 6 new physicians and picked one based on his bio. When I made the appointment, he noticed I had recently been assigned to another MD. I told him I was looking for a better fit and had a few questions for him. Of course, there are many qualities to look for in a physician, but here are the criteria that were hard to find. (You can develop your own set of questions/criteria.)
1. A physician who will listen to me. (I’m not a pill-seeking individual)
2. A physician who will incorporate alternative medicine (acupuncture, massage, etc.) and nutrition in his/her care.
3. If he/she doesn’t know the answer to my problem, he/she will find the answer or refer me to someone who does.
Over the years, we have developed mutual respect, and he has been the greatest doctor. I have no issue with male doctors or young ones. They just need to meet my criteria.
Does anyone know this answer? Why do people spend more time researching an item they want to buy, be it a car, house, cell phone, or even a small kitchen appliance, but they won’t research a healthcare provider with whom they entrust their body? Medical providers are not GOD-like people; they are human, with varied skills, and they can make mistakes. Yes, they have specialized knowledge, but you know your body best; besides, healthcare is a team effort. I encourage you to be assertive when seeking a provider. We only have one body, and we have to give it the best chance we have.
I can’t wait to hear your comments below on this topic. Give me a hand clap if you like the post.
My next blog will focus on how to take charge of your office visit. You might be surprised.
