How do you break a lifetime habit of blindly following the doctor’s orders?
By becoming an empowered patient.
An empowered patient is someone who actively engages in his or her healthcare experience. They do their homework, ask questions and weigh all options before deciding on a treatment plan alongside their doctors.
Traditional healthcare models can be challenging to coordinate and difficult to understand, which is why patients today need to be smart, savvy and in charge of their healthcare.
“Patients have to take a more active role in their healthcare these days because medical care is increasingly complicated,” said Lisa Paul, MD, an internist in Portland, Oregon.
“Fifty years ago, there might have been only one treatment option for a diagnosis,” continued Dr. Paul. “The only decision was whether or not to follow the doctor’s orders. Nowadays, conditions like prostate cancer have several treatment options, and patients frequently have more than one health issue.
“Physicians also have to keep an eye on a patient’s health insurance coverage and ability to afford co-pay payments and prescription medication. And we have to do it all in an all-too-brief doctor appointment. It can get pretty complicated, especially for those patients who aren’t used to speaking up or advocating for themselves.”
When Did Healthcare Become So Complicated?
The healthcare industry underwent big changes in the 1980s when managed health insurance plans were introduced. This made healthcare affordable for more patients, but also required doctors who worked within their networks to see more patients, and to do so at discounted prices.
Healthcare made another huge shift in the 1990s when computers entered the exam room. While real-time electronic charting revolutionized billing and record keeping, it also changed the way doctors and patients interact, and made computer time part of patient care.
This Is Where Patient Empowerment Comes in
Just because the healthcare industry has changed doesn’t mean patient satisfaction should be shortchanged. Consider applying some or all of these tips at your next doctor’s appointment.
Be the Boss
Your doctor is not in charge of your health or healthcare. You are. You hire your doctor as a consultant to provide specific information and services and to help you achieve your best health. You can follow their advice or not, but ultimately, your health and well-being is your responsibility.
It’s Business
Treat each doctor appointment like a business meeting. Arrive on time and be prepared with specific goals, questions and concerns. Writing them down ahead of time will ensure you don’t forget anything once you’re face-to-face with your physician.
Start with the Big Stuff
“Tell us your biggest concerns right away,” emphasized Paul. “We know you need time to feel comfortable sharing, but realistically, we probably only have about seven minutes together to chat, evaluate medications, do a physical exam, prescribe diagnostic tests, discuss options, review results, write up a prescription and chart. If you leave your most important health concern until the end, we may not be able to give it the attention it deserves.”
Apply the “Two at a Time” Rule
“When patients come in with long lists of health concerns, we can’t always give everything our full attention,” added Paul. “If we address just one or two issues per visit though, we can dig in, be thorough and schedule another appointment to address other concerns.”
Ask Questions
“Many older patients worry they’ll appear ignorant or confrontational if they question their doctor, but honestly, we don’t think that,” Paul said. “The only way we can assess your understanding and guide your care is through your questions.”
Bring a Buddy
It’s difficult to retain information when you’re sick, stressed and, for many older adults, dealing with hearing loss or memory retention issues. Bring a friend or family member into the exam room with you (they can step out when you want privacy) to take notes, ask questions and make sure you get all the information you need.
Crunch the Numbers
Many of us were raised to not talk about money, but healthcare is expensive and many older adults are struggling to find affordable health care. If your health insurance doesn’t cover a test, or if you can’t afford a test, treatment or medication, speak up. Your doctor may be able to recommend more affordable options or solutions.
Talk About Alternatives
Chiropractic care, acupuncture for lower back pain, naturopathic medicine, homeopathy and herbal remedies are effective healthcare options for many patients who want more natural and less invasive support. If it works for you and doesn’t cause your health any harm, your doctor should respect that. If they don’t, it might be time to find a doctor who does.
Ask an Online Doctor
It’s the 21st Century! It’s empowering for patients to educate themselves about their health. While many doctors worry patients will get the wrong information from the Internet, it’s unrealistic (and over-authoritarian) to lay down Internet moratoriums. Consider printing out health articles or other health information you’ve read online, and bringing them with you to your next doctor appointment. Ask your doctor for his or her opinion, and which health articles and medical websites they respect.
Demand Good Old-Fashioned Customer Service
If your doctor doesn’t provide the information, attention or respect you deserve, insist on better service or find a new doctor. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle reminder that you’re the patient, and that you hold the power of your healthcare experience in your hands.
