National Wise Health Consumer Month

By BobbieJo Paul, FNP, Provider/Health Coach, ATI Active Care

Wise Health Consumer Month…what exactly is a wise health consumer?

Let’s explore what it means and what you can do to be a wise health consumer. A health consumer is a person who uses health services. Since we all have used or will use health care services at some point in our lives, it is important to pay as much attention to what we pay for our health as we do for other things we purchase.

What can you do?

•  Know your insurance plan. During enrollment time research what the plans are and choose which is best for you.
•  Do your research on choosing a provider. You will need to be comfortable communicating your health needs and history with your chosen provider. Let the provider know your expectations and have a clear vision of what you expect from the provider. Know if the provider you are choosing is in network to ensure best pricing for you.
• See your provider annually for a wellness physical exam. A provider may find a health concern during an annual exam when it is still easily treatable. It is also the time to talk about what you can do to stay healthy. Reviewing past medical history and family history can help plan what to watch for or what to do to reduce risk.
• Write down concerns and medication you are taking (including over the counter supplements/herbs/other) and bring this to your appointment. By writing your concerns, you will not forget to ask a specific question. By having a list of what you take, the provider can better serve you by not recommending a medication or supplement that might interact with what you are already taking. Remember the time for you to see your provider is based on the information you gave to the scheduler; if you need time let them know. If you have many concerns, be prepared to address the most important issue first and then schedule a follow up to return for time to address all concerns in a way that is not rushed.
• Ask questions. Listen to the provider and ask questions if you don’t understand a diagnosis or treatment. It’s ok to ask for written instructions or for additional information.
• Understand that not every health concern needs to have a lab test or imaging test to treat it. Often providers will want to start with conservative treatment based on evidence from research. It is okay to not always have an x-ray test if a good history and exam are done.
• Sometimes the over the counter treatment is best. Not all illnesses are caused by a bacteria that may require an antibiotic. Actually, many common illnesses are caused by viruses and will improve with time and the over the counter treatments may help you feel better sooner. The best way to know is to check with your provider’s office. You might be able to speak with the provider’s medical assistant or nurse to get home treatment and learn which symptoms would warrant an office visit.
• Do not ignore symptoms. Contact your provider if you are unsure about something, the symptoms are getting worse, or you have more symptoms in addition to the original concern.
• Follow provider instructions. This is really important for the road to recovery. It can take longer to recover from an injury if you do not follow instructions. If you do not finish the antibiotic as prescribed you might cause yourself to have a bacterial infection that becomes resistant to the antibiotic; after this, the only treatment available might be one that makes you feel sicker or may not treat the infection at all.
• Know the medications you are taking. While the provider recommends a treatment because of your health issue, there can be side effects or it can be not as effective as the provider would plan. If you know what treatment to expect with the medication, you will know when to contact your provider or return to have the best treatment for you.
• Ask for generic medications. This will save you money and can still treat your condition.

Medical providers are here to help you stay healthy and return to health when an illness occurs. Have a primary care provider who has your personal health and family history. This provider can coordinate care for you best and help you with recommendations to stay healthy. It is up to you to follow those recommendations and be a healthier you, making you a wise health consumer.