Because there are such big differences in the quality of care provided by healthcare providers, take the wheel to ensure you get the best possible care.
Studies have consistently shown that shared decision-making is associated with greater patient satisfaction in how the treatment turns out. Patients who are actively involved also feel better about having personal control over their situation, have less anxiety over what to do, and benefit from a greater likelihood of sticking with the treatment regimens necessary for more complex chronic conditions.
A lot of taking charge simply involves overcoming the reluctance to ask your doctor a lot of questions. What body parts or functions aren’t working right and why? What can be done about it now? How sure is the doctor of the diagnosis? Could it be something else? What more can be done to confirm the diagnosis? At what cost and what risk?
Two key components of a shared medical decision are the doctor’s clinical expertise and the patient’s personal expertise. “Physicians are expert at clinical diagnosis and testing, medical benefits and risks, and prescribing and treating. But people are experts in themselves,” says Georgiou. “Too often people abdicate their personal expertise to the doctor’s clinical expertise. Only you can decide which tradeoffs are best for you.”
By researching your case you’ll be able to ask more informed questions. Can’t handle doing your own research? Then ask your doctor to lay out all of your options along with the pros and cons of each.
Find doctors who share decision-making.
Learn about your condition.
Research your treatment options.
Since the 1970s, patients have gradually obtained a powerful pile of rights, information, and tools that give us greater control over our medical treatment. Instead of meekly following doctors’ orders, patients are encouraged to take charge of their own medical care, collaborating with their expert healthcare providers to understand their conditions, explore the sometimes-numerous treatment options (including undergoing no treatment at all), and discussing patients’ needs and preferences to decide on the best course of action.
Taking charge starts with assuming the main role in selecting your physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers. Because there are big differences in the quality of care provided by physicians and medical facilities. Lead your doctor to collaborate with you to decide the best course. After you’ve done all your homework, discuss your short list of options with your doctor. Raise any questions or concerns. Get his or her professional opinion or recommendations, then come to your final decision together.
Many in the United States find their general practitioner and even some specialists based on recommendations from family, friends, and other healthcare providers — a doctor who is nearby and in-network. But what if the doctor has a disciplinary record that you don’t know about?
Medical errors are among the leading causes of death in the United States. According to a 2016 study from Johns Hopkins University, an estimated 250,000 people in the U.S. die as a result of medical errors each year.
So how do you know if your doctor has a clean record?
The best data available comes from state medical boards — the agencies responsible for licensing, investigating and disciplining medical professionals in your state.
The nation’s state medical and osteopathic regulatory boards — commonly referred to as state medical boards — work to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare through the proper licensing, disciplining and regulation of doctors. In addition to licensing doctors, state medical boards investigate complaints, discipline those who violate the law, conduct doctor evaluations and facilitate rehabilitation of doctors when appropriate. State medical boards also adopt policies and guidelines related to the practice of medicine to improve the overall quality of health care in the state.
Follow the links provided below to assist you in your research of your physician, your medical diagnosis, and treatment options.
Stay tuned for information & links to research your medical facility options.
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