How To Be A Sharp & Savvy Patient

The paper trail. As a chronically ill individual, you have a long paper trail of lab/test results, medication lists, allergic reaction lists, MRIs, CAT Scans, PET Scans, X-Rays, medical history, family history, and notes from countless doctors and specialists. You probably could write a book just about your medical records. 

Have you ever had to provide a doctor results and notes from another doctor? Have you ever had to provide medication lists, blood test results, or MRI disks to your doc? All this information can be extremely complicated and overwhelming.

There are a few tools to help. Some practices now offer patient portals. You sign up with your email and a password. On these portals you can:

• See recent prescriptions/request a refill
• View upcoming appts
• View billing statements 
• Leave messages to your doc
• View your chart that includes your symptoms, medications, allergies, procedures, results, immunizations, educational material, and personal info.

I personally love my primary doctor's portal. Ircan't tell how many times I've used it to look up test results, blood work results, requested a refill of meds, and message my doc. The messaging has been crucial, especially when it's difficult to get into the office right away. I would recommend looking into your doctor's patient portal. 

Hospitals also have patient portals. You're able to view all the tests you've had and the results. It also gives your appointment reminders, upcoming tests needed, and the ability to contact the healthcare provider. 

I think these tools are very helpful in 2 specific ways. 1). It allows you to do your own research on results and diagnoses. You're able to research the issue, symptoms, and possible treatments. 2). You can then bring what you found to your doc as discuss treatment options. Together you can weigh pros and cons, and develop the best healthcare plan that  fits you best. No way am I saying be Dr. Google and self-diagnose and self-treat yourself. But personally, I like to have as much information as possible as to what's going on with my body. That way I can discuss with my doc the ABC's of my diagnosis and see what the best XZY treatments are. Be your own advocate.

How about putting all this info in one place? I know people who use binders filled with copies of their entire medical history including lab results, test results, scans, disks, allergy lists, medication lists, and medical history information. This allows you to travel from specialist to specialist, with all your info is in one place. You can organize it however you like. You can include anything you feel a doc should know or take a look at. Some items to consider including:

• List of all medications and allergies. Include the name, dose, and how often the medication is taken. List specific reaction details to (rash, nausea, headache, trouble breathing). If possible, notate when you started/stopped taking the medication.
• MRI reports and CDs
• X-Rays, CAT Scans, PET Scans, etc
• Blood work results
• Vision/Hearing test results
• Dental work
• Hospital Admissions paperwork 
• Insurance info
• Bills/Receipts 
• Copay Assistance programs/grants  received 
• Doctor notes from each visit (if possible)
• A list of all your doctors info including their phone number/address/fax
• Blank paper for notes, questions, comments, or concerns 

BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!

What are some tips you have for being the best advocate you can be? 

Does anyone else keep binders? What do you keep in them?