How you can be an informed patient

Here are some tips from our expert on how you can gain maximum out of the medical treatment you receive.

The media is full of horror stories about how corruption is rampant in the medical system.While some amount of reality in life is important, the problem with these articles is that you end up viewing all doctors, including your own, with a jaundiced eye.

Questions like, is he referring you to a specialist to make more money, or because you have a complex problem and he needs to make sure he is on the right track? Is the ECG he has ordered really necessary? And why is he suggesting you get your tests done from a particular lab instead of the one closer to your house ? All, seem to crop up during a consultation.

While some doctors are unethical, the truth is that doctors are careful, competent and conscientious. However, you cannot afford to leave everything upto your doctor anymore. It has become increasingly important for you (as a patient) to take responsibility in ensuring you get good medical care.

As a patient, you have to shoulder a wide variety of responsibilities and to help you get the best out of your treatment, here are some tips:

• You should provide your doctor with accurate and complete information about your medical history, past illnesses, allergies, hospitalizations and medications.
• Inform him/her about any changes in your condition (however minor they may seem to you). When it comes to medical care it is best you don't keep him/her in the dark.
• Keep your appointments, and be there as per your schedule. If for any reason, you cannot make it for any reason, inform your doctor well in advance.
• Pay your medical bills promptly.
• Have realistic expectations of what your doctor can do for you. Everyone would like to get well completely, but you should always bear in mind that the doctor is not a miracle worker.
• Help your doctor to help you. If you cannot stick to a particular treatment plan, let your doctor know, so that he can formulate an alternative plan. One that you can stick to, and will make you better.
• Participate actively in your medical care. Patients who are highly motivated get better faster: you can help your body heal itself.
• Ask questions and clarify any doubts that you might have. More importantly, this also helps get rid of any misconceptions you might have. A doctor or nurse may not know when you're confused, uncertain or just want more information. If you do not understand what your doctor says or wants you to do, you should let him know without any hesitation.
• Respect your doctor and the medical staff. They deserve your respect and courtesy: treat them the way you would like to be treated by them.

During any form of treatment the concept of a team, which consists of you and your doctor becomes very important. As a patient, your responsibilities are wide and varied, and you'll need to play several 'roles' while you are being treated. Here are some roles you might need to take on:

Medical information researcher:

The more knowledgeable you are about your problem and its treatment, the better are your chances of getting the right kind of treatment. Educate yourself; you need to become an informed participant in your medical care in order to ask the right questions and to participate in making decisions about your treatment. This step will also help you critically assess media reports about 'new breakthroughs in medical treatment', and whether these 'breakthroughs' are relevant to your problem or not. If you are confused about the kind of treatment you can even ask your doctor about the advancement and if it will apply in your case.

Medical Team CEO:

You will have to find, evaluate, select, hire (and sometimes fire) members of your medical team. As an enlightened patient, you need to remember that you are the CEO. Your medical team (so to speak) could consist of your family, friends, doctor(s) and other medical help. Remember, at all times that you are in charge of your body, and that it's your medical team you are managing.

Treatment decision maker:

You will have to decide which treatment you want to opt for among the alternatives. Sometimes the choices are straightforward, but sometimes they can be very confusing. A good doctor will offer you all the options and help you decide, but ultimately, you have to exercise your right (and responsibility) to select a course of treatment. You cannot afford to leave everything to God, or on your doctor either.

Medical record keeper:

You must keep all your records safely, and this can be very helpful especially if you have a complex problem, a chronic disease, need to change doctors or get a second opinion. File all your records in reverse chronological order, and number all your documents in sequences. Also, prepare a one-page summary sheet of your medical experiences. Nowadays, there are software packages that can help you document all your medical details very efficiently.

Financial manager:

Medical treatment, can be very expensive and you must make it a point keep a track on the costs involved. Many patients are hesitant to talk to their doctor about money matters, but this reluctance can prove to be very costly. Also, if you are claiming reimbursement (either from an insurance company or from your employer) you must make sure that you have complete records of payments made along with their receipts.

Communicator:

We all know that communication is the corner-stone to successful treatment. So make sure you are an effective communicator. It is important that you be open and honest with your doctor. When in doubt, ask questions, listen to the answers carefully and take notes. Write down your questions before your appointment, so that you do not forget important matters during the stress of consultation. Remember, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. And if you don't understand the answers, ask again.

The author Dr Aniruddha Malpani is an IVF specialist who is also very passionate about improving patient knowledge and patient-doctor relationships. He is a pioneer in the field of information therapy the right information at the right time for the right person and blogs at https://blog.drmalpani.com.