Page 13 - StLV Guide 2017

Tips For Your Doctor Visit
Your doctor visit is your time to talk and ask question
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 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.
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
9
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
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.
• Make sure you introduce your Support Person to your healthcare team so that both you and your Support Person are kept up to date on your care and responsibilities.
What is a
Patient Advocate?
Patient Advocates answer questions that can range from what to expect during your hospital stay to doctor’s instructions to procedures, surgeries, post-operative care to insurance and
after-care plan.
Your Advocate can help you:
• When talking to your doctor or nurses and help you to understand your treatments, medications, tests or instructions.
• Transition from the hospital to another treatment or living facility.
• Understand billing, payment and insurance questions.