Becoming a Wiser Consumer of Health Care
You can improve your care and the care of your loved ones by taking an active role in your health care -- Ask questions. Understand your condition. Evaluate your options.
Steps to Being an Active Partner
- Speak Up - The more information your health care team members know about you, the better. Discuss the following with your health care providers:
- Your medical history
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines you take routinely and occasionally
- Dietary supplements, including vitamins and herbals
- Ask Questions - Your health care team can help you make the best-informed choices but you have to ask the right questions. FDA and others have a list of questions to help guide you. Have your questions written down and take notes on the answers.
- Learn The Facts - Learn and understand as much as you can about your medicine. Ask for written material from your providers and look at information from other reputable sources.
- Follow Directions - When you are ready to use the medicine, get the best results and reduce the side effects by following the instructions given to you by your prescriber and printed on the label.
- Report Back - Pay attention to how you feel, and notify your health care team of any problems.
Source - www.FDA.gov
Effective and Empowered Health Care Consumer Workshop
Become An Active Partner in Your Health Care. It Leads To Better Health.
What is it like for you when you have to go to your healthcare provider for services? Are you prepared to talk about your health concerns with your provider? What questions do you have and what do you need to know? Do you feel respected and responded to?
Improving your health starts with you. This workshop gives you the tools you need to partner with your doctor by preparing for your visit, what to do while at your visit, and how to follow-up after your visit.
Your instructor will guide you through a workbook of tools and local resources that coach you in:
Maintaining your health records
Preparing for healthcare visits.
Communicate confidently with your healthcare provider (asking questions and providing information).
Understanding how to be a full partner in your healthcare and to follow your treatment plan.
Workshops are free and are held at various places around Columbus. They have been held at libraries, senior housing complexes, churches, and recreation centers. Call to find the workshop closest to you or to arrange one for a group at (614) 645-1542.
More Resources
Questions are the Answer - More about talking with your doctor and preparing for medical appointments at
Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research
Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
National Institute on Aging