Taking Charge

As many patients are aware, healthcare is changing. Health insurance companies, the Internet, government over reach, and the dawn of the chronic disease era are but a few of the many reasons healthcare is changing. Now, it is more focused on “sick” care rather than health care. There is no time for a provider to properly educate their patients and with the advent of electronic charting and Medicare quality of care guidelines, providers are stuck doing administrative tasks more than they are able to actually spend taking care of their patients. This has lead to provider burn out and ultimately comes at a cost to both patient and provider. Thus, it is important for patients to better understand their role in the patient - provider partnership and use the tools available today to help build better efficiency so that patient care can be the top priority as it was previously.

So, what exactly is the patient’s role in their health? For starters, being an engaged and curious patient. It is so important for patients to ask questions in regards to their health. It’s important for patients to be a constant learner in regards to what ails them as well as what options are available. Patient’s need to commit to making changes in their lifestyle as most chronic conditions today are preventable and at the very least manageable with proper lifestyle changes. This is not just diet and exercise. This is also stress reduction, sleep, spiritual health, and good relationships. Patients also need to utilize technology that is available today. Use your patient portal to message your provider rather than call the office and bog down the phone lines. Contact your pharmacy for a prescription refill and see if the pharmacy can submit an electronic refill request rather than a fax or calling the office. Be familiar with Telehealth features that may be available at your provider’s office. This can allow providers to have a better work/life balance which ultimately helps them better take care of your health needs. Get your labs done in an appropriate timeline prior to your next appointment. Avoid constant rescheduling with your provider. The list goes on. The point is, that patients and providers should view their relationship together as a partnership with the goal of keeping the patient healthy and thriving. It is important for patients to feel empowered and to be piloting their own health with the provider helping them to navigate. This is ultimately how we shift our current healthcare culture back to more “health” focused rather than “sick” focused.