10 Tips on Being an Active Member of YOUR Healthcare Team

To be an active healthcare team member, you must start with being organized. Here are some tips to get YOU started:

1. Be aware of who’s who. In your doctor’s office, ask to meet the office manager. When you meet them, ask for their business card. Let them know when things go well. If there was a problem, let them know and suggest a way to improve the system. As the patient, you see things differently from the staff and may have a good idea that can help others. Keep all the cards you collect in your notebook to use if you need to reach out.
2. After appointments, you can access your patient portal to view your after-visit summary. Review the summary to refresh what happened during the appointment and what was supposed to happen after it. If you have questions, you can send the doctor a note via the patient portal to clarify things.
3. Unfortunately, you may need to check multiple portals as each doctor you see or hospital you go to will have their own portal, and many times, they don’t talk to each other. Despite this, having a patient portal with all your providers is a good idea as it gives you access to information about yourself that helps you be your best advocate and keep others updated about your care.
4. When you visit a new doctor or hospital, ask the staff to set up a patient portal. The staff is versed in this and can help you set up your portal and teach you how to use it, or they will call someone on the IT team to assist. Put the portal’s name, user name, and password in your notebook. Check it often, ask questions of your doctors if you have questions, and leave your thoughts/questions if something happens between appointments.
5. If you were supposed to have lab work, diagnostic tests, or visit a specialist, make those appointments and ask that the results be in your patient portal before your next visit. If this can’t be done, call your doctor’s office to ensure the labs, diagnostic tests, and specialist reports were sent to the ordering doctor after you had the test/visits. Ask the ordering doctor’s staff to collect any outstanding tests and specialist visits so they are in your chart for the next visit. You want to avoid attending an appointment only to learn missing information. Take the lead to make sure things are done to avoid delays.
6. If you must go into the hospital for an admission or the emergency department. Ask to meet the nurse manager once you get to your room. Let the manager know your name and why you are there. Taking that lead and getting to know the leadership is important. The staff working there needs to know you are on top of things. If you can’t do this yourself, ask the person accompanying you to do it. It may seem strange at first to do this, but getting to know who is who is important. It shows that you are part of the team and want everyone on the same page.
7. When you get medications or someone tells you you are going for a test, ask what they are for. You should know about it – but if you don’t, ask the staff to check to ensure the medications or tests are for you. The staff is busy, and they sometimes make a mistake. So, double-checking is a good practice.
8. Similarly, if you were supposed to get medication or have a test and no one came for you, ask the nurse. Again, things can get lost in the craziness of the day.
9. Have your notebook with you so you or the person with you can keep track of things. Write the date each day and note who comes to see you, who they were, and what they said. This is good information, especially as bills start coming in or new doctors come to see you; you can fill them in on what has happened to you up to this point. Again, a lot happens, so keeping track of things is important. Encourage all who come into your room to talk to the other team members so everyone is on the same page and YOUR care is coordinated.
10. If you need or want something, feel free to ask for it. You want to be comfortable in your surroundings. Again, everyone is busy at the hospital or a doctor’s office, but speaking up is important. Be patient, but don't put off asking a question or for medication you need. Ultimately, the staff wants to care for you - and your reminders help them.

Today, many doctors offer virtual visits or televisits. These are convenient ways to see your doctor for routine visits without going to the office. Regardless of how you see your doctor, prepare for the visit. Write down your questions before the appointment. Ask someone to be with you and take notes during or right after the visit; review the notes to know the next steps.

I hope these tips help you be an active healthcare team member. The more involved you are, the better care you will receive.

If you have examples of things you did that helped you be an active member of your healthcare team that allowed you to receive the care you needed or prevent a medical error, leave a comment so we can all learn together!

I hope you have a great week.

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