PBS and QIO Special Study Deliverables
Patient Centered Health Care Tips
WFYI in Indianapolis, working with Health Care Excel, the state's Quality Improvement Organization and its statewide coalition, has identified six areas of patient- and family-centered care to address during their RAM outreach campaign. They are: medication management, how to talk to health care providers, patient safety in hospitals, resources for the underinsured, chronic disease management, and how patients should communicate with family members.
The coalition has developed eight "quick tips" for consumers addressing these issues. In December 2005, WFYI started featuring them in their monthly Member Magazine and will continue throughout the campaign. They will also appear on the station's Web site.
(Some of the links provided below feature organizations located in Indiana. Similar agencies can be found in each state.)
Making the Most of Medications
Medications can be used to treat a short term illness or a chronic condition. Make the most of your medicines by being an informed consumer. For example, you should:
- Know the name and purpose of any medication you or a family member has been given.
- Understand how often and how long to take it, and be aware of side effects.
- Tell your health care provider about all the medications you use, including over the counter, natural remedies and nutritional supplements.
- Purchase all your medications at one pharmacy.
- Carry a list of medications, dosage, and time of day you take them with you.
- Ask if there is an over the counter or generic substitute.
- Talk to your pharmacist, doctor, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant.
For more information visit:
www.medicare.gov/Publications/Home.asp
www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200407
www.phrma.org
Talk to Your Health Care Professional
Become an informed decision-maker by taking steps to be well-informed about your own health and that of family members. By talking with your health care provider, both of you will get important information needed to make decisions. Keep the following in mind:
- Take a list of questions with you. Write down the answers.
- Consider taking a family member or trusted friend along to do the same.
- Compare notes after a visit: not everyone hears the same thing.
- Ask for permission to tape a conversation for later review.
- Equip yourself with information from a variety of reputable sources.
- Decide how much you want to know.
- Follow these practices whether talking to a physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or other provider.
For more information, visit:
www.cancer.org
www.ahrq.gov/news/pubsix.htm
www.medicare.gov/Publications/Home.asp
www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200407
Prescription Drug Coverage
In the changing marketplace, it’s important to be a smart health care consumer. Learn about prescription drug benefits by:
- Knowing what your health insurance will pay for.
- Knowing if you need to say in your network for purchases.
- Using insurance company-sponsored plans for mail-order prescriptions, where possible.
- Using toll-free information numbers, Web sites and print materials to get information. Don’t hesitate to ask questions!
For more information:
www.medicare.gov/Publications/Home.asp
www.in.gov/ai/safety
www.state.in.us/HoosierRx
www.together-rx.com
www.needymeds.com
www.phrma.org
Resources for the Underinsured
Paying for health can be complicated. If you don’t have adequate coverage, do the following:
- Use “211” or the Information and Referral lines in your community, often sponsored by United Way.
- Get in touch with service providers, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or similar health care groups.
- Contact your State Department of Health or local health departments for information and additional referrals.
For more information:
www.medicare.gov/Choices/Overview.asp
www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200407
www.in.gov/ai/safety
www.cancer.org
www.littlereddoor.org
www.in.gov/isdh
www.hhcorp.org
Keeping Yourself Healthy
The experts agree: the secret to staying healthy is a lot like Grandma told you: eat healthy foods, stay active, and exercise your brain. Need specifics? Try these!
- Eat a wide variety of healthy foods, especially from plant sources.
- Cut back on portion size and fat content.
- Exercise each day.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcohol use.
- Do puzzles and crosswords.
- Use smart safety precautions: bike and cycle helmets, seat belts, infant and child car seats, sun screen, and other protective gear.
- See your clinic, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or physician for preventative care and medical treatment.
- If you are 65, take advantage of the Medicare physical benefits.
- Take advantage of screenings covered by your insurance company, as well as those at health fairs.
For more information:
www.alz.org
www.cancer.org/healthcheck
www.medicare.gov/health/overview.asp
www.americanheart.org
www.mchd.org
www.in.gov/isdh
Be Safe While in the Hospital
Sometimes a hospital stay is necessary. When you are a patient, or have responsibility for a patient, reduce risk and errors. Here’s how:
- Speak up with questions and concerns. If you don’t understand what’s happening or why, ask!
- Ask all persons approaching you for care whether they have just washed their hands.
- Check to make sure you are receiving the right treatments and medications.
- Ask the health care team members who they are, what they are there to do, and look for an ID badge.
- Ask why procedures are being done.
- Request written instructions for treatments that must be done at home.
For more information:
www.rileyhospital.org
www.medicare.gov/Publications/Home.asp
www.npsf.org
When You Change Health Care Professionals
It’s rare to have the same health care provider for a lifetime. Help ensure you receive the best care possible with these suggestions:
- Ask for copies of immunization and other important records when changing doctors, including the shift from pediatrician to adult doctor.
- Try to use one practitioner to coordinate care.
- Know and disclose your medical history. Make notes of surgeries, treatments, immunizations and other significant events.
- Take advantage of preventative screenings.
- Use a patient advocate or representative to help connect you with resources, if needed.
For more information:
www.ahrq.gov/news/pubsix.htm
www.medicare.gov/Publications/Home.asp
www.office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/CT010482901033.aspx
Communicating With Your Family
Sometimes it is important to share health care decision-making with a family member. Remember—you were there for them, so let them be there for you. Here are some tips:
- Create a safety net of family members. Allow them to accompany you to medical appointments and approve them for access to your medical records.
- Don’t assume “everything is fine.” Ask questions if you aren’t sure.
- Investigate health and insurance coverage.
- Determine if medical powers of attorney, advance directives, organ donation, and other important documents are in place and current.
For more information:
www.cancer.org
www.iopo.org
www.cicoa.org
www.alz.org
www.medicare.gov/LongTermCare/Static/Counseling.asp
