The new year brings many new changes, including the start of new deductibles. Many patients are struggling to pay their new insurance premiums that have been forced upon them. After these expensed, they are hit with huge deductibles. And many people just cannot afford it any more.
Patients often come to me complaining about care that they received by a specialist or in the hospital. Yet, they do not bring up the issues that are causing their discontent with these entities. Rather, they wait until they see me because they know that I will listen to them.
I am often amazed, and frustrated, when I find a patient has no idea what medications they are taking or why. Many think I will be able to solve the mystery of the little white pill. Many times, a call to the pharmacy will need to be made to get needed information.
We need patients to be more empowered. We need patients who advocate for themselves and speak up against what they dislike. Patients need to know their diagnoses and medications. How else can they take a stand on their own medical decisions?
In the media, I keep hearing that patients are now empowered consumers. I do not like this term because patients are so much more than their health benefits policy. Having a cardiac stent placement is not the same as buying a washer at the home depot. Much more needs to go into the decision other than just cost.
How can patients become more empowered?
1. It is key to knowing everything about yourself. You should keep a list of your current medications with you, especially if you are many. And know why you are taking these medications. Some medications are used for several conditions and it is important to know why it is being used in your case.
2. Ask questions. Don’t leave your doctor’s office with questions unanswered. Bring a list if that helps. I don’t mind answering any of my patient’s questions. However, I do not know what a specialist was thinking when he/she prescribed a medication or ordered a test. I can give only my best guess.
3. Ask about alternatives. Be an active decision maker in your health.
4. If you don’t like something, speak up. I have seen patients have surgical procedures done and then come tell me that they didn’t really want to do it. Even after signing the informed consent form.
5. Speak up against policies you don’t like. If your health plan is not to your liking, make it known. Talk to your HR department if that is available.
6. If you don’t like the way the healthcare system is headed. let it be known. Contact your legislators and let them know what your opinion is. Speak to the media and let them know the true voice of the public.
7. Be team players with your physicians. Most physicians truly want what is best for our patients. Know the issues that are affecting them and keeping them from doing the best with you. Physicians are facing unsoundly amounts of regulations and mandates these days. All this cuts from face to face time with our patients.
To receive the best medical care, patients need to take a more active role in their own health and the healthcare system as a whole. Medical treatments truly need to be team work with the doctor giving wise choices and patients being informed decision makers. Until that happens, nothing will change And who wants to continue on the downward path the healthcare system is now headed?
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2015 Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP
