It is important to be your own medical advocate.

Know yourself and what you base line norms are!

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*This is not medical advice or a diagnosis. I share educational information and advocacy tools so patients feel empowered in their own healthcare.

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Be prepared with what you know and  what your medicos may need to know:

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1)  What is your Personal Medical History?   

      It is good practice to document this for yourself (and each of your family members)

2) What is your Family Medical History known medical history of diseases & other conditions

     Create a document of the Family Medical History

      - so you can have information that may be relevant and helpful to medical professionals

3)  Who are your treating doctors (GP & Specialists) 

      Create a directory/list of your treating professionals

      Document their names & contact their details handy for reference

      Remember your medical professionals may need reports sent or referrals

4)  What medications (inc dosage) are you on? 

      Create a list of all medications and supplements so you can consult your doctor

      Discuss & review your medications with your doctor &  pharmacist each year

      Remember your pharmacist is an expert in helping you to navigate your meds

      Please list any known allergies and have this prominently displayed on that list

5)  Schedule regular check ins with your GP - create a good relationship with a GP 

      A relationship with your GP is so very important- not just when you are unwell.

      Your GP is often the only valid source of trusted documentation for Govt entities

6)  If you have concerns about pain, discomfort, lethargy, difficulty in breathing 

      See a doctor immediately - a GP, a Medical centre or if becoming urgent - a Hospital !

      If you are unable to get to a doctor or a hospital yourself - DIAL 000 - Emergency

       ASK for assistance!

7)  When you have a situation that may require escalation - keep on it.

      If you have an ongoing condition, strange presentation of symptoms, major concerns

      ASK for a referral to a specialist 

      Get the doctor to make a record in your chart/records as to what they recommend, 

       (including any refusals for referral for full clarity & disclosure in your record)

       If refused say" OK, can you please note that in my record's/chart that I requested this       & was denied"

8)  GP consults can feel rushed - so if you can do this:

      Consider booking a long appt time (GP's may have "Short & long visits")

       Be prepared with a written checklist of what you want to cover off

       (have at hand you Personal & Family Medical History details & Meds lists)

       Inc.  What you wish to discuss and any referrals, tests etc

       that you would like to consider for preventative health care

9)  Hospital & Emergency consults can feel rushed / confusing - so if you can do this:

      Take any personal & family history details with you and your Meds list

       Be prepared to let the medical staff know if you don't understand

       You must be able to give informed consent (which means you fully understand)

       If you feel tests or treatments are being forced upon you - state clearly you are not        ready to move on yet - as you have more questions

       Good questions to ask are:

           "What is your differential Diagnosis? - could you list these please?"

           "How have you ruled the other Diagnosis out?

            "What is the evidence FOR & AGAINST that differential?"

10)  Remember a second set of eyes and ears can be so helpful

       When consulting, take notes 

       Choose a friend or family member who won't catastrophise and keeps calm to 

     come along -  get them to take notes

      Ask permission to phone record so that you get the details and can review if needed

      Allow yourself to listen and ask questions if you don't understand

 

Remember - in high stress settings like a hospital emergency room, you may miss details 

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Note - a Standard Protocol isn't always required for all:
- it is OK to ASK - " is this required - or is it optional?"

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Optional means you have a choice!  

Standard Protocol isn't always what is best for you as an individual
Always ask "What are the Alternatives & Risks!
"What will happen if I wait - or do nothing?"

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You deserve full informed consent and be informed of all of your options.

 

You are important and you DO matter!

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