3. 1. Be the owner of yourself :
Most physicians record information
in paper medical records or enter
data into office-based electronic
health records. Either way, your
doctor’s files are most likely
disconnected from the records of
the other doctors or hospitals
you’ve visited. If you want to
minimize the risk of error, you need
to create a summary of your own
medical records and bring them to
every doctor’s visit or hospital
admission.
4. 2. Focus on Communication :
Most of us assume the doctors we
see and the hospitals we use provide
excellent medical care. But do we
really know? While the data on the
quality of their outcomes is difficult
to obtain, there is very less
information available. Merely closing
this communication gap by fully
understanding your treatment plan
and communicating openly with each
medical specialist can significantly
reduce errors and improve treatment
results. It can also avoid duplication
of services that end up costing you
more and exposing you to greater risk
of injury.
5. 3. Be prepared for your doctor’s visit :
A “successful” visit to your
physician occurs when your
questions are answered and your
concerns addressed. To prepare for
a successful appointment, write
down your specific concerns, a
description of your symptoms, and
any therapies that you have tried –
especially if they were prescribed
by another physician. These are the
main pieces of data a physician uses
to figure out what is wrong. Do not
leave the doctor’s office until you
are certain that you understand
what the doctor has said and what
the plan is.
6. 4. Improve your communication :
These are all areas where patients’
personal involvement in their care can
benefit them dramatically without
needing to learn the medical science of
their condition. It’s about improving
communication between your doctors and
other caregivers, which is often just a
matter of asking your new caregiver if
they know what they should about your
condition and your needs.
7. 5. Know your health and take action :
Certain actions can make a major
difference in your health. Although
serious medical problems can
happen regardless of how diligent
you are, there are steps you can take
to reduce your chances of developing
diabetes, heart disease, cancer or
stroke. For instance, pay attention to
age- and gender-specific preventive
screening
recommendations.
Manage your weight with regular
exercise. Stop smoking.
8. 6. Be a empowered patient :
Gaining such knowledge – and knowing it’s based on solid science
and not someone’s income objectives – can be enormously
empowering for patients. Knowledge can also be a powerful
motivator for action…it’s harder to continue self-destructive
lifestyle behaviors when you understand exactly how they worsen
your medical prognosis.
9. By
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