What’s this talk about Medical Consumerism?
It’s all about empowerment in a world where health care is getting more and more expensive and harder to navigate. Medical consumerism is the concept of patients taking a more active role in health care and decision making. You and your doctor are a team. You should ask questions, take time to learn about a diagnosis, consider different treatment options and research clinics or hospitals that will cost you less money for the same test or procedure. Actively taking part in your health care will help you make the best, most informed decision for you and your family.
Here are some things to think about:
- Keep a personal health record that includes personal and family medical history and medications – be sure to update it regularly.
- Use your personal health record to fill out patient forms to ensure that all of your doctors have the same information about you.
- Prepare questions before an appointment and take a pen and paper to write down anything important.
- When you are going to an appointment, take your medication bottles in a bag so you correctly list all medications and the dosage you take.
- Think about preventive screenings that are recommended for you because these screenings can prevent health problems or find issues at an early stage for treatment.
- Find or create a list of trustable sources (government Web sites, non-profit community based organizations, health insurance company) so you know where to look when you need to search for information to make a health care decision.
Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to be more involved in your care:
- What preventive screenings should I be having?
- Why are you recommending this specific test, treatment or medication?
- Are there other alternatives that would work for me?
- Where can I have this test or treatment done?
- What are the most important things I need to remember when I leave the office?
- Here are some important questions about medications that can help you decide what is best for you:
Are there any lifestyle changes I can make that will help me manage my health without medication?
- What does this mediation do?
- How long will I need to be taking this medication?
- What are the side effects that I might be affected by?
- Is there a generic version available or a lower cost medication I can take?
These tips and questions can help you become more comfortable working in partnership with your doctor. Ask questions, search for more information on your own and think about what is most important to you when it comes to your health. This kind of active engagement in your health care will help you make strong decisions about a treatment, test, medication or procedure that is the best option for you. It’s your health, shouldn’t you be one of the key decision makers? Who cares more about your health than you and your family?
Roshi Fisher, MPH, CPH, CHES
Roshi Fisher is a senior health education consultant at Capital BlueCross. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State University and a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences from the University of Louisville. Roshi is a certified public health practitioner and a certified health education specialist. She has several years of experience working with organizations across central Pennsylvania in various industries to create targeted, tailored employee wellness initiatives. Currently at Capital BlueCross, Roshi works with employer group customers providing evidence based consultation to move companies forward in a strategic manner for effective workplace wellness programs.
