by Helium01

Created on: January 08, 2010

This is not your parents' or your grandparents' era of medical care. The health care industry is larger and more competitive these days than ever before. With this growth and advancement comes an opportunity for you to take control and responsibility for your rights as a patient;  actually as a health care consumer.

Many people remember the days of the old family "doc" who gave you instructions which you (or your parents or grandparents) followed to the letter without question. Today it's more important than ever to express your questions and ask for explanations with your healthcare.

With the accessibility of so many specialists comes the danger of bits and pieces of your medical record being spread between many offices. Your family physician may not have all the pieces of the puzzle. If he or she doesn't, it may help to ask clarification questions you may have if different doctors' information seems to clash.

It helps to let your doctor know that you've been to see a specialist and what the results of those visits were. It is also important for patients to realize that you are consumers. Just as you have the right to shop around for the highest quality care for your car or your lawn, you certainly have the right to demand and, in some cases, "shop" for the highest quality care for yourself and your family.

Of course, many times our insurance limits to what extent we can shop and where we can look, but you always have the right to be treated humanely and with common courtesy. Don't ever accept anything less.

Part of this treatment should include your right to understand what someone is telling you to do and why you are doing it. If you or a loved one is in the situation where you will be required to undergo a surgical procedure or receive special treatment for an illness, it is crucial that you understand the directions that you are given and know what and why you are doing what you are asked to do.

Although the directions may seem simple to the healthcare provider giving them to you, you may not understand. Do not be afraid to ask for a repeat of information or for clarification of something. It is your health and you need to take responsibility for understanding at least the basics.

You may not need to know the history behind an illness but you should know what parts of your body it is affecting, what to do in case of an emergency, what are warning signs of something worsening and what you can expect from treatment you are receiving. You should never leave a hospital or doctor's office thinking to yourself "I have no idea what to do now".

If you are taking medication on a regular basis, you should know

(1) Name of the drug
(2) Dose of the drug
(3) What the drug does
(4) How you should take the drug, i.e., with food, before bed, etc.
(5) If it conflicts with any other medication you are taking

If you are living with family, write this information down and make it available to them in case of an emergency. Also take the list with you to any doctor's appointments, whether or not that doctor prescribed the medications. The only way a doctor or pharmacist can make sure that your medications are not harmful to you is know a complete list of what you are taking.

By following these and other common sense rules, you can make sure that you are getting the most out of your health care, while safeguarding your health, rights and life.

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