ASSERTIVE HEALTH CARE STRATEGIES

The days when you went to a neighborhood doctor who cared for you most of your life are long past. The era of the health care consumer has arrived. But you may not be ready to take on this role. Telling your doctor or health insurance plan what you expect and taking an active part in your health insurance plan and health care decisions may not be as easy as it sounds. But researchers like Sherrie Kaplan, PhD, of the Primary Care Outcomes Research Institute, have shown that the physician-patient relationship has a big impact on health outcomes. Her research shows that when patients take more control in health insurance plan and medical visits by asking questions and expressing emotions, they tend to improve their health status. This includes subjective evaluations as well as physiologic measures like lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients and more stable blood sugar levels in diabetics. The suggestions listed below can serve as a starting point for building your skills and taking control of your health care.

• Be direct and honest
• Be realistic
• Listen before talking
• Be persistent
• State your expectations
• Accept responsibility for your own actions
• Be informed and know your:
• Rights
• Responsibilities
• Benefits

• Research - Gather information and increase your knowledge on the topic that concerns you.
• Record - Write down in advance the points you want to make. Keep a personal health record documenting the frequency and severity of your symptoms.
• Reason - Decide what you want to accomplish by the end of the meeting.
• Rehearse -- Practice with family/friends what you want to say to your doctor or health insurance plan representative.

• Expect privacy, time and attention.
• Bring a relative or friend with you.
• Take notes or tape record (with permission).
• Bring up issues that concern you.
• Ask for an explanation of unclear words or concepts.
• State any agreement or conclusion reached at the end of the meeting, including any actions you are to take.
• Be clear on what you should do and when you should do it if your problem doesn't get resolved.

• Review what occurred, whether expectations were met, and your goals achieved.
• Continue to keep a personal health insurance plan record that details any actions you have taken to improve your health and any changes in your condition.

• Write your letter promptly.
• Direct the letter to a specific person and/or position.
• Include identifying information about yourself.
• State your problem briefly and include relevant facts.
• Clearly state the action or result you expect.
• Attach copies of any papers that relate to your problem.
• Ask for a written response within a specific time frame.
• Keep a copy for yourself.
• Copy the letter to the health plan medical director or to your employee benefits manager.

Remember, it's your health. If your physician doesn't seem to be addressing your questions or giving you enough time, it's OK to take an assertive stance. Like the research shows, patients who take charge of their own health insurance plan, health care issues and seek out information tend to have better health results.

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