There are simple things you can do to navigate the health care system in order to get
the care that you need and avoid treatments which you don’t wish to have. Research
shows that when you make health decisions with your doctor, you are more likely to be
happy with the care received. Health care requires a team effort, and you are not
only a part of the team; YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF IT. When you visit your doctor,
tell your doctor what is important to you, and ask your doctor about your diagnosis and
treatment.
Make sure you get the most out of your doctors appointment by creating and bringing a
list with you of what you wish to discuss.
Have advance directives including a living will written, and share them with your doctor
and loved ones, to assure that your wishes are respected in the case of emergency.
Know about the medications you take and be a savvy patient when it comes to
prescription and over the counter medications.
the care that you need and avoid treatments which you don’t wish to have. Research
shows that when you make health decisions with your doctor, you are more likely to be
happy with the care received. Health care requires a team effort, and you are not
only a part of the team; YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF IT. When you visit your doctor,
tell your doctor what is important to you, and ask your doctor about your diagnosis and
treatment.
Make sure you get the most out of your doctors appointment by creating and bringing a
list with you of what you wish to discuss.
Have advance directives including a living will written, and share them with your doctor
and loved ones, to assure that your wishes are respected in the case of emergency.
Know about the medications you take and be a savvy patient when it comes to
prescription and over the counter medications.
At the Doctor's Office-Managing Your Healthcare Team
From Living Older, Living Better! by Katrina Gwinn, MD
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Information on “Getting Your Affairs In Order-A
Practical Guide” is available from the National
Institute on Aging (NIA). http://www.
niapublications.org/engagepages/affairs.asp .
Health on the Net Foundation provides web-
based medical information that is reviewed for
quality: http://www.hon.ch/.
Practical Guide” is available from the National
Institute on Aging (NIA). http://www.
niapublications.org/engagepages/affairs.asp .
Health on the Net Foundation provides web-
based medical information that is reviewed for
quality: http://www.hon.ch/.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |