Take an Active Role in Your Health

The single most important way you can stay healthy is to be an active member of your own healthcare team. Getting the right healthcare information will help you take an active role in your health and help you communicate effectively with your doctor.

Research has shown that patients who have a good relationship with their doctor tend to be more satisfied with their care and have better results. Here are some tips to help you and your doctor become partners in improving your healthcare:

Give Information — Don’t Wait to Be Asked!

• You know important things about your symptoms and your health history. Tell your doctor what you think he or she needs to know.
• It is important to tell your doctor personal information — even if it makes you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
• Bring a list of your health history with you and keep it up-to-date. You might want to make a copy of the form for every member of your family.
• Always bring any medicines you are taking or a list of those medicines, including the dosage and when and how often you take them. Talk about any allergies or reactions you have had to your medicines.
• Tell your doctor about any herbal products you use or alternative medicines or treatments you receive.
• Bring other medical information, such as X-ray films, test results and medical records.

Get Information

• Ask questions. If you don’t, your doctor may assume that you understand everything that was said.
• Write down your questions before your visit. List the most important ones first to make sure they get asked and answered.
• Consider bringing someone along to help you ask questions. This person can also help you understand and/ or remember the answers.
• Ask your doctor to draw pictures if that might help explain something.
• Take notes during your visit.
• Consider bringing a tape recorder. But be sure to ask your doctor whether he or she is comfortable being recorded.
• Let your doctor know if you need more time. If there is not time that day, perhaps you can speak with a nurse or physician assistant on staff. Or ask if you can call the office later to speak with someone.
• Ask whether your doctor has washed his or her hands before starting to examine you. If you’re uncomfortable asking this question directly, you might ask, “I’ve noticed that some doctors and nurses wash their hands or wear gloves before touching people. Why is that?”

Take Information Home and Follow Up

• Ask for written instructions.
• Your doctor also may have brochures and audio tapes and videotapes that can help you. If not, ask how you can get such materials.
• If you have questions, feel free to call your doctor’s office.
• If your symptoms get worse or you have problems with your medicine, call your doctor.
• If you had tests and do not hear from your doctor, call for your test results.
• If your doctor said you need to have certain tests, make appointments at the lab or other offices to get them done.
• If your doctor said you should see a specialist, make an appointment.

For more on healthcare quality and materials to help you make healthcare decisions, visit the “Be an Active Healthcare Consumer Pathfinder” at www.ahrq.gov/path/beactive.htm. You can also call our Customer Service Department at 608-828-1301 or 800-279-1301 or visit the “Patient Safety Initiative” section of our Website by visiting www.deancare.com, then clicking on “Dean Health Plan,” then “Patient Safety Initiative,” listed under “Top Features.”

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