More than a century ago, the entire town went to the same doctor. Today, most of us go to multiple doctors a year. Though these advances in modern medicine have helped us better manage and live with certain health conditions, it all requires greater care coordination.
Communication between providers is critical because they can make sure there are no gaps in a patient’s health plan. For instance, a dentist may work with a surgeon to resolve tooth and gum issues. A primary care physician, cardiologist and endocrinologist may work with an individual with heart disease and diabetes.
The better the care coordination, the better the health outcomes. Research shows that patients who receive care that’s coordinated by nurses experience lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Although coordinated care is effective and important, unfortunately, research shows it’s not the norm. One survey found that only 7 percent of patients defined their care as fully coordinated.
Health care providers bear responsibility for care coordination, but patients can also be empowered to take steps to ensure they receive the most comprehensive care from multiple professionals.
Come to appointments well-prepared
When working with multiple providers, ensure you’re getting the most out of each appointment. Taking time before each appointment to compile information can ensure everyone is on the same page. Before your next check-up, be sure to gather:
- Your insurance information
- Payment
- A list of questions
- Notes about medical concerns
- Mental health outlook
- Physical changes you are experiencing
- An updated list of medications, including dosage, the reason for prescription and frequency
Stay in contact with your healthcare team
Keeping up with your appointments and providers can be challenging. However busy you may be, it’s essential to prioritize your health and stay up-to-date with appointments — it will help enable you to show up for your job and family in the long run. At these appointments, you’ll want to make sure your providers have the most updated medical history, including other specialists you see.
Keep track of providers’ names and contact information
At appointments, you may be asked to provide a list of other specialists you are seeing. For example, an ob-gyn may ask you who your primary care physician is. Keep a written or running list in the notes app on your phone of your providers’ names, addresses and phone numbers.
Access your medical records
You have a right to access hard or digital copies of your medical records. You can simply call your provider, and they have no more than 30 days to provide you with your records (this maximum timeframe varies by state). Some providers charge a “reasonable” fee.
You also may be able to access test results and other records through digital patient portals or apps. Speak with your provider about ways to access your medical records to ensure each professional you are working with has the most updated information.
Bring recent test results and notes
If one doctor sent you for bloodwork or an X-Ray, be sure to bring those results to discuss with other providers. You want your doctors to be able to prescribe you medications and other treatments with full knowledge of your medical background.
Bring discharge notes if you are visiting a doctor after being in the hospital. These notes will give your doctor valuable information on diagnoses and treatment.
Keep a list of your medical history
It can be challenging to remember everything about your health or recite it on demand. To ensure each provider has the most current information, keep a running list on your phone or a piece of paper with details on your medical status, including:
- Medications
- Surgeries and office procedures and dates
- Family medical history, such as heart conditions
- Allergies
Allow providers to refer you to other professionals
It’s common for healthcare providers to refer you to others. The medical field has expanded, and certain professionals may have greater expertise in an area. For example, a dentist may refer you to a dental surgeon.
Though making a new appointment with a different professional may feel overwhelming, it’s usually to your benefit. Doctors often refer patients to people they have worked with before and trust. This familiarity can enhance communication between the two.
Speak up about your concerns
If you’re concerned about your health, such as the symptoms you’re experiencing, don’t be afraid to speak up. Though the conversation may be difficult or you may feel embarrassed by the symptom, your care team is there to help you be as healthy as possible. This step also applies if you’re concerned about communications between providers.
Write it down
Discussing concerns can be nerve-wracking, and you may forget some of them if you are nervous. Jotting down what you want to say can help you remember it and ensure you give your provider all of the information you have.
Practice
If you’re nervous about talking with your provider, try practicing. Try enlisting a trusted friend to practice with or read what you have written in front of a mirror.
Explain yourself thoroughly
Give your doctor the clearest picture of what you are experiencing. Let them know the symptoms, when they started and how long they’ve lasted. The more data and information you can give a doctor, the more prescriptive they can be.
Be honest
Refrain from downplaying the situation. You may not display symptoms you are experiencing in the office, so you’ll need to describe them to your doctor. Remember, you are your own best advocate.
Listen to what your provider has to say
Good communicators are also good listeners. Active listening can help you ascertain information and better evaluate it.
Take notes
Sometimes, it can feel like you’re getting a ton of information thrown at you at once. Writing things down as your provider says them can help you remember them and ask questions.
Paraphrase back
Sometimes, doctors use a bunch of technical terms you may not understand. Try repeating what the provider said back to them in your own words to ensure you heard them correctly and have all of the information.