Interacting with the health care system is a challenge for everyone at one time or another. Whether you are visiting your primary doctor, a specialist, or receiving home health care at home, it’s difficult to advocate for yourself or speak up for a loved one. Advocating for your health or that of a loved one is a learned skill. This post offers will offer the 4 best ways to be your own health advocate.
1. Research is Your Best Tool
If you or your loved one has a home health visit or an appointment coming up, research any questions or concerns you have ahead of time. Your nurse or doctor has a lot of medical expertise, knowledge, and experience. It’s up to you to communicate to them what symptoms are occurring and what your treatment preferences are, and to have an idea of treatment options out there. Think of your medical team or home care team as partners in your care. You have to work
together to achieve the quality and outcome of care that you want.
Add health insurance to your list of things to research. It can be just as complicated as health care itself. But having a general understanding of things like:
– Types of medications that are covered (generic vs name brand)
– Procedures covered
– If your loved one meets the criteria for home health.
Research ahead of time saves frustration and out-of-pocket medical expenses in the long run.
2. Keep Your Own Records
Medical records exist for your providers and for you to have a record of medical notes, history, and procedures. But it is always a good idea to keep your own set of records. Get copies of medical
notes, bills, paperwork, and other documentation. Check the records you collect for errors and make sure nothing is missing. Health care providers miss things and make mistakes, just like everyone else from time to time. Having your own records is some of the best self-advocacy advice we can offer and will help you identify anything that is missing early and fix it before it becomes a problem.
3. Create an Action Plan
For many people, talking to your doctor or your nurse can be an overwhelming experience. You may have many questions, and they don’t have a lot of time. Create an action plan that that will
address your most important questions or concerns during your appointment. An example of this would be:
– Setting goals for your appointment
– Writing down symptoms you or a loved one are having
– Having a list of questions you want answers for
– Bring recent home testing results like for a glucose meter or home EKG machine if applicable
– Print out any research you think might be relevant and bring it with you.
4. Get Support
While being a good health advocate for yourself or a loved one is essential, you don’t have to go through it alone. If you still have questions, are frustrated, or confused by an appointment, talk to
a friend or a family member later. Even if all you do is vent or cry, having another person to talk to, and receive perspective and support from is just as invaluable. Voyager Home Health Care prides itself on putting its patients at the center of everything we do, which is why we put together this list of the 4 best ways to be your own health care advocate.
Home health care is personal, which is why we take the time to listen and address every patient’s concern and advocate for them wherever we can. To learn more about how you can receive our home care services in the Denver, CO, or Colorado Springs, CO area, reach out to us at (719)-400-2222 today
Voyager Home Health Care is known for being the highest paying IHSS & CHCBS provider in Colorado. Voyager is also known for their superb quality and the cutting edge support of the families they serve. Voyager pays $18 an hour for any Health Maintenance Activities (HMA) hours families are approved for ($20/hr for CHCBS). If you want to know more about this program please give us a call or Text (719-400-2222)
Highest Paying Provider ● Highest Quality ● All Phones Text-able ● Overtime allowed with hybrid hours ● Smart Documentation ● Home Healthcare Company with Class A License.