Becoming a Partner in Your Health Care

Source: AARP.org |  | May 8, 2003

Becoming a Partner in Your Health Care

In the past, many people simply relied on their doctors to tell them what to do. Times have changed. People have learned how important it is to play an active role in their health care. This means working as a partner with your doctor to make sure you get the best health advice and treatment. There are a number of things you can do to become a partner in your health care:

Take responsibility for your health

• Know when and how to seek medical care.
• Follow your doctor's advice for taking care of yourself.
• Work with your doctor in making decisions about your health.
• Build a relationship with your doctor; foster good communication and trust.

Know your medical history

• Tell your doctor about your past illness, diseases and treatments, including any from your childhood.
• Know if and when you have had immunizations or shots.
• Keep a record of any surgery or hospital stays.
• Know your family history of chronic illnesses (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc.).
• Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Prepare for your visits to the doctor

• Write down questions you have before you see the doctor.
• Ask someone to come with you, if it would be helpful.
• Write down details about your illness, such as when you feel the sickest, or if you have a fever, chills, or nausea.

Be active during your doctor visit

• Take notes about the doctor's advice or ask the doctor, your friend or family member to write down what you should do.
• Talk to your doctor if you don't agree or don't understand what he or she tells you.
• Tell your doctor if a treatment or medicine isn't working and ask for something different.
• Talk to your doctor if he or she says you should have a test or procedure you don't think you need.
• Get a second opinion from another doctor if you don't agree with what your doctor is telling you. Find out if your plan will pay for the cost of getting a second opinion.

Use your preventive benefits

• Get routine medical exams and screenings recommended for a person of your age, sex and medical history. Screenings can include mammograms, PAP smears, prostate exams, and cholesterol and hypertension (blood pressure) checks.
• Get a flu and/or pneumonia shot.
• If your plan offers them, take classes on stopping smoking, nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction.
• Find out what kind of support groups and counseling services your plan offers.

AARP Resources

How to Talk to Your Doctor
Ideas on building good communication between you and your doctor

Caregiving: Communicating with Health Professionals
Tips on working with doctors and others when caring for an older parent.

Now, Do-It-Yourself Care
How more people are treating their illnesses outside of their doctor's office and which symptoms not treat yourself.

Additional Resources

Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
National Institute on Aging offers tips on talking with your doctor.

HealthCareCoach.com
From the National Health Law Program, tips on being a partner with your doctor in "Maintaining a Good Relationship with Your Doctor."