Health care certainly has changed over the years. Gone are the days of home visits. Nowadays, there are specialists for every condition, and while this is a great thing it can make doctor visits complex. In past years simple blood work and x-rays could be taken care of in-house rather than at a lab in a different location. It is up to the patient to keep track of all the necessary visits and paperwork and the entire process can feel overwhelming at the best of times. Do you or someone you love struggle with keeping track of medical appointments? The frustration that many feel simply trying to schedule an appointment is common. If you are caring for a senior, this is especially true. How do you make sense of this new way of practicing medicine without losing your mind? The landscape of medicine has changed and we must adapt in order to keep up with the transition. Navigating this terrain might feel foreign to you, but with some patience and practice, you can adapt. Here are some ways to keep frustration at bay.
Keep a Log
If you are like most, you see several physicians for varying reasons throughout the year. If you currently have a binder or box full of medical information, you are already ahead of the game. From a general practitioner to a dermatologist, it is important that you keep track of your personal medical information. The Mayo Clinic suggests creating a personal health record. This can be done by collecting all of your medical records, from blood work results and shots to medications and doctor’s orders, and compiling them in one place. This will allow you easy access to data pertaining to your health and help you keep track of your needs. You can keep this information on a web-based platform, an Excel or Word file on your computer, or hard copies in a folder.
Ask for Copies
This one is especially true for caregivers. If you are taking care of an elderly loved one, be sure to obtain notes and documentation from their medical visits. This will allow you to be up to date on their blood work, medications, x-rays and scans, so you can decide whether a second opinion is necessary.
Call Your Doctor
If you have had blood work or scans and do not hear back promptly, take charge and call the office of your doctor for results. Waiting for a call that might never come from your physician can lead to unnecessary stress and worry on your part. It is perfectly acceptable to phone the office and ask for results.
Write It Down
Be sure to keep a list of all the doctors and/or specialist you visit. Write down or record their names, addresses, and contact information. Keep these details together in one spot for your own convenience.
Champion Home Health Care of Brevard knows how much you invest in your health and the health of those you love. We want to see our clients succeed and make the most out of the current medical climate. By taking a few extra steps to stay informed, you can make the most of out your doctor visits. If you are in Melbourne, FL or surrounding areas and could use an extra hand caring for your elderly loved one, be sure to contact us.
