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Tips For Your Doctor Visit
Your doctor visit is your time to talk and ask questions about your health. Here are some tips to help you take a more active role in your care.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
• Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions. It may help you to write down all of your questions or concerns before you see your doctor.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your support person. Your support person can help you ask questions, take notes, and remember any instructions.
• If you don’t understand what your doctor is saying, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to explain again.
• Ask for someone who speaks your preferred language if you
are having di culty.
• If you have a diagnosis, be sure you understand your condition, the plan of treatment, medications and any lifestyle changes you
may need to make.
Keep Your Doctor Informed
• Tell your doctor about all of your prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements, how much you take and how o en.
• Tell your doctor about any pain or other symptoms you are experiencing, how long you’ve had them, and about any changes in your appetite, sleep, or energy level.
Educate Yourself
• Learn about your condition from
the library, support groups, and on trusted websites. A good place to
start is nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus.gov.
Know What’s Next
• Be sure you know if you need to schedule a follow-up visit or tests.
• If your doctor has ordered tests,
be sure you understand why you need the test, what it will reveal, how to prepare, and what to expect during the test.
• If your doctor refers you to a specialist, be sure you understand what kind of specialist and why your doctor has referred you.
• If your doctor has prescribed new medication, don’t leave until you understand what you are taking, how to take it, and if you should avoid alcohol or certain foods while on the new medication.
• Be sure you understand any new dietary or physical activity restrictions that relate to your care.
Courtesy of e Joint Commission
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Prepare For Surgery
To put your mind at ease and to avoid medical mistakes, make sure you, your Support Person and your surgical sta con rm the following:
• Your name and the type of surgery you are having.
• If you have a mediport, pacemaker, insulin pump, or other device.
• Your surgical team has marked the correct body part to be operated on
and your surgeon knows you are the right person, receiving the right surgery, on the right part.
PATIENT SAFETY
Choose Your Support Person or Personal Representative
Your support person is a
friend or family member that you choose to support you during your hospital stay in the following ways:
• Helps you keep track of questions for your doctor about medicines, procedures or treatments.
• Keeps an eye on you for changes in your condition and asks for help on your behalf.
Be sure to tell your care team whom you’ve chosen to be your support person.
What is an Advocate?
Your Advocate, along with your Clinical Service Team members, work to meet your needs and exceed your expectations to receive exceptional care and service. Your advocate answers questions on your behalf about what to expect during your stay in the hospital.
Patient Representative
All sta members are patient representatives. We are happy to help you with your questions and concerns regarding your hospital stay. If your questions are not answered or you are unhappy with any hospital service, please call your case manager or team leader. They may be reached by calling the hospital operator.