ACTIVE ROLE IN YOUR HEALTH CARE

A health care provider-patient relationship is an important part of your overall health care experience.

Finding a doctor who not only knows your medical history but understands what’s important to you may be the resource you need most when you face a major health care decision.

Many people are more satisfied with their health care if they share the responsibility with their doctors. Your doctor is an expert on medical care, but you are the expert on yourself. By being a partner with your doctor, you can help choose the option that best fits your values, beliefs, and lifestyle. You also will feel more confident about carrying out the chosen treatment.

FIND A DOCTOR WHO WILL BE YOU PARTNER AND…

• Build a relationship with your doctor. Tell the doctor what your expectations are.
• Be an active participant in each appointment.
• Ask for instructions. Before you leave the doctor’s office, make sure you know what you are supposed to do to care for yourself.
• Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Medications are more than just those that a doctor prescribes.They include a long list of the ones that you buy “over the counter”, such as pain killers, cold medicines, laxatives, vitamins, minerals, homeopathic, natural, herbal remedies, and recreational drugs, patches, inhalers, eye/ear/nose drops, creams, lotions, ointments.
• Prepare your child for tests and examinations. Let your child know why he or she is seeing a doctor and what will be done during the visit. And ask your older child if he or she would like to speak to the doctor alone. Teenagers may be more willing to talk about topics such as sexuality, mental health, and drugs or alcohol if they know they can have time on their own with their doctors.