Good DoctorsHow to have a

Presented by Jane Lump

March 11, 2011

appointment

Let’s take a little quiz. . . I have one doctor who acts as the central clearing house for

all the medical care I receive—I ask all my other doctors to keep him/her informed

I have a list of all the medications I carry with me at all times—and I can show it to you today

I understand the benefits and potential risks of each medication I take

I know how to pick the best doctor for my condition and my personality

My doctor takes time to answer my questions and explain my treatment options

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How did you do?

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If you scored 5Congratulations!

If not,

This session is for you!

Healthcare today. . .

What Your Doctor Wants You to Know

1. Good physicians take the long view2. Respect is a two-way street3. Please take your medicine4. Pain is tough to treat5. You need to take responsibility for your history6. Research on-line can be helpful—but tricky7. He/She is more pressed for time than ever before

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A typical Primary Care doctor’s day. . .

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According to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine the average internal medicine physician

Sees 18 to 20 patients Receives 24 phone calls Gets 17 e-mails Processes 12 prescription refills Reviews 20 lab reports and 11 diagnostic imaging reports from consulting physicians and others

The practice of medicine. . .

5 Steps to Getting the Best Care

1. Choose your doctor wisely2. Be prepared3. Ask Questions4. Take Notes5. Be an active partner in your health

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More information than ever before. . .

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Step 1: Choose your doctor wisely

Ask people—and consider the source

Ask questions—before making the first appointment, know where the doctor trained, his or her philosophy of care, attitude toward referrals/teamwork, locations, office hours

Set out your expectations—use your first appointment as a chance to learn more about the doctor’s style and to discuss your expectations. Make it clear that you want a partnership and want to know what he/she expects of you as well

If it isn’t working—choose a different provider and ask to have your records transferred.

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Step 2: Be prepared

Jot down a list of your questions—and prioritize them so you get to the most important issues first. If you run out of time, set up a follow-up appointment

Know your symptoms—keep a log of what you are experiencing, when symptoms occur, how long they last?

Ask Questions and LISTEN to the answers—if you don’t understand, ask your doctor for clarification or ask if a nurse can go over the information again

Take Notes—or bring a friend or ask your doctor if you can record the conversation so you can go back over it later

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Step 3: Ask Questions

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What is my diagnosis/condition? Can this condition by cured? Managed? What are my treatment options? What are the benefits and risks of each option? What treatment do you recommend and why? If you recommend a prescription—

Is there a lifestyle alternative—such as diet? What are the possible side effects? Is there a generic version of this drug?

A word about generic drugs

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Program Price Fee Note

CostcoVaries by location

$50 annuallyOnly for drugs not covered by insurance

CVS Health Savings Pass

90-days $11.99 $15 annually Open to all

K-Mart Prescription Savings Club

30-days $5.0090-days $15.00

$10 annuallyAlso up to 35% discount on all generics, 20% on brand name

Target30-day $4.0090-day $10.00

Free Open to all

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

90-day $12.00Individual $20 annuallyFamily $35

Open to all

Wal-Mart / Sam’s Club $4 Prescription Program

30-day $4.0090-day $10.00 Free Open to all

A word about generic drugs

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Condition /Brand Name Drug

CR Best Buy Drug Monthly Savings

Annual Savings

DiabetesActos, one 30-mg pill per day

$280/month

Metformin (generic) one 500-mg pill three times per day$49/month

$276 $3,312

High CholesterolLipitor, one 10-mg pill per day$112 per month

Lovastatin (generic), one 20 mg pill per day$4 per month

$108 $1,296

HeartburnNexium, one 20mg pill per day$203 per month

Omeprazole (generic), one 20-mg pill per day$19 per month

$184 $2,208

Consumer Reports, Best Buy Drugs, March 2011

Step 4: Take notes

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Ask a friend or relative to attend the appointment with you to take notes for you

Use a small tape recorder or the “record” function on your phone to record the conversation with your doctor so you can go back over it later.

Use the appointment planning sheet to prepare your questions and to take notes during the appointment

Keep your notes and refer to them as you prepare for your next appointment

Step 5: Be an active partner in your health

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Create a system for tracking your appointments, billing, insurance payments, etc.

Create a long-term view of your own health—make sure you review this info and take it with you to your appointments

Let someone know where you keep your records and how to access it in case of emergency.

Take care of the “legal stuff” Living Will Power of Attorney Medical Power of Attorney—health directive

Questions?