There’s more to being a good patient than showing up on time, saying ahhhh and answering the doctor’s questions.
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That may have been a workable scenario in the 20th Century, but it’s not the way the medical business runs today.
Patients now are expected to be empowered and knowledgeable. Translation: Brave enough to ask questions and savvy enough to have at least checked out your symptoms on a reputable Web site, professional journal or other resource.
Doctors and nurses await your questions. And it’s a given that you appear with your health profile in hand, a bag containing every pill, supplement and vitamin you take, and a family tree noting diseases, ages at death and other health-related information on ancestors. They even want to know if you live with a smoker.
Sound intimidating? It is.
The days of the family doctor who has treated you for years and has files containing your every X-ray, vaccination, prescription and procedure are over.
Flora Felch, a Seattle nurse with four decades of experience, said it’s important for patients to participate in their care. “That’s a big change. People used to do whatever their physician said.”
Tips to help you be a smarter patient:
– If you try to check into a physician’s office without your insurance card and can’t remember the name of the company, you may be asked to make a cash deposit.
– The TV remote control in your hospital room is probably the dirtiest thing around. Beware.
– Make certain you have a living will. A doctor, lawyer or hospital can give you information.
– No insurance? Check the Department of Health and Human Services: www.hrsa.gov; click “Find Help.”
Online information
– The American Medical Association, ama-assn.org
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases
– National Cancer Institute, cancer.gov
– Nemours Foundation (children’s health), kidshealth.org