Medication * Find out if medications are no longer needed and/or if you could reduce your need of any medication through lifestyle changes. * Take a list of the medications that your health plan prefers (formulary) to office visits. * Ask if one medication can replace the work of two or three. * Ask for […]
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Medical Care In order to feel good about your medical care, you should feel good about your doctor, too. Use this checklist when evaluating your physician. * Is your doctor ‘board certified” or ‘board eligible?” To check, contact the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) at 1.866.ASK.ABMS (275.2267) or accesswww.abms.org. Board certified means that he
Medical Care Knowing what to expect prior to surgery can reduce pre-operation stress and make you feel more comfortable. * The hospital will have you sign a surgical consent form. Take the time to read it over. Ask your doctor any questions you may have. * Expect a visit from the anesthesiologist or the surgeon
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Medical Care Guess what every patient in a hospital has? No, we’re not speaking of those less-than-attractive hospital gowns or the plastic ID bracelets. The answer is a patient chart. Although the chart is legally the property of the hospital and generally kept at a nursing station, the patient should be aware of its content.
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Medical Exams A routine checkup from a doctor or health care provider is a way to find out your health status. It allows you to ask questions, too. It also helps you find out if you have a health problem you don’t know about. Some diseases, such as high blood pressure and some cancers, may
Medication * Things to tell your doctor: – Things you have had an allergic reaction to. – If you are pregnant or breast-feeding. – If another doctor is also treating you. – If you have diabetes or kidney or liver disease. – If you use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. * See that your doctor has
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Alternative Medicine How can you tell if a complementary product or service is one you should use? Follow these tips: * Use credible sources for information: – The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) athttps://nccih.nih.gov. At this Web site, search for, “How Safe Is This Product or Practice?” – PDR for Herbal Medicines.
Medical Care What price, health care? It is more common to know the price of a car than the price of health care services. It is also more common to take more time looking for a car than a doctor. To be prepared to take care of your health and health care costs, plan ahead:
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Medical Care * Before you receive services, know what your plan covers. Find out from your insurance plan’s website handbook, or customer service representative. * Find out if the cost for 9-1-1 EMS transport is covered or if you need to use a certain ambulance company. * Choose providers who accept your insurance. Find out
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Medical Care * Check credentials of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. Get a complete list of how to get quality care fromahrq.gov. * Protect yourself from medical errors. Be your own watchdog. Take an active role in every decision about your health care. If needed, have a family member or friend oversee your
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