It can be like finding one’s way through an increasingly convoluted maze when you are diagnosed with a new illness or suffering from long-term health problems. There is a multitude of health care providers, insurance policies and treatment options to choose from. Here are a few basics and a little strategy to simplify everything as well as guarantee that you receive the best quality care possible.
How to Navigate the Health Care System
1. Understand Your Insurance Coverage
The first thing to do about health care is to understand your health insurance policy. Know your plan, including when to use in-network providers, co-pays and deductibles, what’s covered and what isn’t, and so forth. It will make life easier if you know more about your coverage–and also help guarantee that you don’t run up unexpected costs payable out-of-pocket in order to get what you need.
Contact your insurer if you have any questions.
2. Choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP)
One of the most important things for good overall health care is having a primary care physician (PCP). When you have general health problems, are following up on shots at a health maintenance organization or need referrals to see specialists, your PCP will be the one helping out.
Find a good PCP who is familiar with your history of medical problems and can coordinate the care you receive from several doctors.
3. A Patient with a Symptom
Participate in your health care by learning about your specific problems, the treatments available for them, and the drugs that are prescribed for you. Useful sources of information include websites providing medical information, patient self-helper materials, and discussions with your doctor. When you are informed you will be better able to ask the right questions and make the right decisions for your health.
4. Create a Personal Health Record
Systems which you and your doctor can each access to keep on record your medical background, medications you’re taking, any allergies you have, adverse reactions to drugs suffered by you, immunizations you’ve had, and the results of all tests. Such a record is invaluable in emergencies and when you are under the care of a new doctor. It at once gets rid of any guesswork and unnecessary bother about having to correct errors.
5. Work with Healthcare Providers Who Communicate Clearly
Effective communication with healthcare providers is essential to getting the best care possible. Don’t be shy about your symptoms, concerns, and likes and dislikes concerning treatment. If something isn’t clear, or any other questions arise in your mind, go ahead and ask them as needed. Good communication allows your health team to understand what you actually require, and then treat that need.
6. Stand Up for Yourself
Being your own advocate means speaking out for your health needs. If something doesn’t feel right or you are not comfortable with the treatment plan suggested, let your concerns be known. Seek a second opinion if necessary and don’t hesitate to discuss alternative forms of treatment. You, your health,general well.
Understanding the rights that patients have is also very important though. These rights include giving informed consent, keeping your personal medical information private, and–if necessary–being able to see one’s own medical chart.
Utilize available resources
Make good use of the resources available in hospitals. This may involve getting in touch with patient representatives, physician-assigned social workers and benefit managers for companies offering group health insurance. They can help on a wide variety of fronts, from how your coverage works to how to secure financial aid for hospital bills.
Conclusion
Take out personal health insurance for life, and find a primary care doctor who is prepared to listen to you. Keep up with what’s going on in your field. And, of course, learn to speak up for yourself–but remember that the goal is not merely getting good care, it’s also to be ready whatever might happen next.