How to Be a Proactive Patient
Healthcare is a partnership. Being a proactive patient doesn’t just mean showing up for appointments. Taking charge of your health by staying informed and building relationships with your healthcare providers is essential. In honor of Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 9-15, Pegalis Law Group, LLC wants to help you commit to becoming a proactive and engaged patient. Learn more about taking control of your healthcare decisions to get the best possible patient care this year and beyond.
Do Your Research When Selecting Healthcare Providers
Choosing the right healthcare provider is crucial to being a proactive patient. Start by researching providers’ credentials and patient reviews for better insights about their level of experience treating specific conditions. Look for providers affiliated with reputable hospitals or medical institutions. Verify that providers are in-network with your insurance to avoid unexpected costs. Ask friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations, but also trust your instincts after initial consultations. Doing your research can lead to better healthcare outcomes and a more trusting patient-provider relationship.
Be Open About Your Personal & Family Medical History
Understanding your personal and family medical history helps you and your doctor better assess your health risks. This includes knowing details about past surgeries, chronic illnesses, allergies, and medications you’ve used. For family history, ask relatives about conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer that could have a genetic component. When you’re fully informed and honest about your history, your healthcare provider can tailor prevention and treatment plans specifically for you. Keep an organized file of your medical history, including test results, vaccination records, and prescriptions.
Schedule Annual Health Check-Ups & Screenings
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before visiting your doctor. Establish a regular schedule for general health check-ups and screenings. Annual physicals help identify potential health concerns before they become severe issues. For example, routine screenings like blood pressure checks and cholesterol tests can uncover conditions that may not exhibit symptoms. Use your phone’s calendar or a dedicated health app to set reminders to book your annual check-ups.
Advocate for Yourself & Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Your doctor may be a medical expert, but you are the expert on how you feel. If something about your health feels off, don’t hesitate to speak up – even if your past test results were normal. Be honest about your symptoms, emotional well-being, and lifestyle habits. If you don’t understand something during a consultation, ask questions. The more informed you are about your health and treatment options, the better decisions you’ll make. Write down questions before appointments and take notes. If your concerns aren’t being addressed, consider seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider. Your voice matters. Advocating for yourself can make all the difference in your quality of patient care.
Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle to Avoid Complications
Taking care of yourself is one of the most proactive things you can do to stay healthy. Simple lifestyle changes, such as consistent physical exercise and healthy eating, can have a lasting impact on diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Be sure to sleep well each night for optimal recovery and energy. Find ways to reduce stress, such as meditation or journaling, for your mental well-being.
Part of being a proactive patient is getting full treatment explanations and following your doctor’s instructions. If you have ongoing medical conditions, keeping up with prescriptions is critical. Forgetting doses or stopping medications without consulting your doctor can lead to complications, prescription errors, and more. Reminder apps can send alerts directly to your phone, while automatic prescription refills through your pharmacy and pill organizers can help you keep track of your medications.
Receive Additional Tips to Be a Proactive Patient
All too often, people neglect their health until issues arise. Early action and prevention can make all the difference. Patients who actively participate in their healthcare typically have better health outcomes, require fewer interventions, and feel more satisfied with the care they receive. Stay healthy, stay informed, and, most importantly, stay proactive. As a New York law firm specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice for 50+ years, Pegalis Law Group, LLC is committed to creating proactive patients. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for additional insights to be proactive about your healthcare.