The mission of Patient Action.com is to help you find your voice as you partner with the health care team in a positive way to get the best health care outcomes possible for the patient. Preparing yourself for such an advocacy role will greatly empower you and those you care about as you navigate through any health care setting. CONGRATULATIONS ON TAKING THE FIRST STEP IN FINDING YOUR VOICE!
You or someone you care about has probably been a patient in a health care setting. That can be a very stressful experience for a variety of reasons. The one thing you must always remember is that you have a voice! You are a major player in your own destiny or in the destiny of a loved one who cannot use their own voice. That concept in and of itself can be very frightening considering you probably don’t have much medical education or knowledge to guide you. Believe it or not, you do have a voice when it comes to your health care. And that voice will empower you and give you control.
We invite you to review the many resources on this website which are designed to educate you, empower you, and enable you to make decisions. The Index of Articles showcases articles on a myriad of health care topics which will guide you in what to do, what to say, what to ask and who to ask it you, as you partner with your health care team to get the best health care outcomes possible.
As a patient you absorb a lot less information when you are anxious, scared, vulnerable, in pain, medicated, immobilized, unconscious, drowsy and/or undressed. In such scenarios, ask a trusted family member or friend to be your patient advocate when you enter the health care system. Plan on keeping your advocate with you at all times, even overnight, if you are going to need hospitalization. You will be able to rest much better. Your advocate can …
How do we know when to call 911. Many people feel reluctant to make a call to bring help. Below is a list of symptoms for calling 911: Chest pain, suspected heart attack Difficulty breathing Severe persistant abdominal pain Uncontrolled or excessive bleeding Head injury Loss of consciousness Poisoning (after you call Poison Control hotline at 1-800- 222-1222) Severe burn High fever over 103 degrees, especially in children Seizure Diabetic complications Gunshot or stab wounds
Remember the 3 R’s of safe medication use: All prescriptions and nonprescription medication have risks. Respect the power of your medication and the vale of medicines properly used. Take responsibility for learning about how to take your medication safely.
Why ask questions before a diagnostic procedure? To be an informed patient To understand what is happening to you To be in control of what is going on To be part of the decision-making process
Questions to ask your doctor before taking any prescription medication, herbal or other over-the-counter, r supplemental medications: Why do I need this medication? What is the name of the medication? How does it work? What are the potential side effects? Which ones should I can my doctor about? Will the medication interact with the other prescription and nonprescription drugs I am taking? How long will I need to be on the medication? How many tines a day …
It is very important that you be a thoughtful courteous patient. Show up to your appointments on time. If you must cancel an appointment try to do it at least 24 hours in advance. Pay your bill in a timely manor and speak respectfully all of the staff.
When you are going to be seen by a medical specialist, confirm that your visit and your results are always sent to your primary care physician.
