It's normal to feel worried or even a little scared if you are scheduled for surgery. Know that your surgeon and other healthcare providers will do all they can to take good care of you. And there's much you can do as a patient to help your healthcare team keep you safe. Being involved means speaking up, asking questions, and understanding your role.
You are scheduled to have a test or procedure. This sheet will help you get ready.
Patients are often presented with a variety of treatments, medications and procedures that can be complicated and sometimes difficult to understand, both in terms of the expected result, but also in terms of possible side effects. One of the best ways to overcome this challenge is for patients to ask a lot of questions of their healthcare providers, so they can make the most-informed decisions for their own care. Patients can also play an important role in preventing infections while they are in the hospital.
Medications can be very costly, but sometimes there are ways to get the medications you need at a lower cost.
Watch this video to understand the difference between brand name and generic medications.
Watch this video to learn how to safely take and store your medications to avoid common errors and stay healthy.
When medicines are taken as directed, they can greatly improve your health. But if they are not taken as instructed, they may not work. In some cases, not taking them correctly can be harmful. To help make sure that your treatment remains effective and safe, understand your medicines and how to take them.
Take the time to learn about your medicine. For instance, why are you taking it? What does it do? Work with your healthcare providers to get the answers you need.
Watch this video to learn when you should go to an Urgent Care center and when you should head to the emergency room.
Watch this clip to help understand why communicating with your healthcare team in the hospital, and having an advocate for your behalf, is important.
Watch this to understand Self-Care Strategies, the importance of being an active self-care manager and working with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan.
Watch this video to learn the importance of keeping a follow-up appointment after a hospital stay.
Watch this to prepare for doctor's appointments, how to get the most out of your healthcare appointments, and important questions to ask your healthcare provider.
It's important to remember that as a hospital patient, you have rights.
1 in 5 patients is readmitted to the hospital after being discharged. The Transitional programs help to make this transition home and what to do to be able to remain home. Learn about these programs and how to take advantage of this service.
To get the most out of your healthcare, take an active role. This means thinking of every healthcare provider as a partner in your care. Here are things you can do to help that partnership go smoothly.
Telling your healthcare provider (HCP) about yourself will help improve your care. And ask questions when you don't understand something, or just want to know more. Don't be afraid to speak up! Good communication with your HCP helps you get the most out of your health care.
Dealing with health and medical issues can be stressful and confusing. It can be a good idea to ask friends and family for support. They can listen to what the healthcare providers tell you, ask questions, and help make sure that things go smoothly. And they can help you get the care you need.
Do you find that you make an appointment with your healthcare provider, only to forget half your questions once you're in the exam room? Does your healthcare provider ask you questions during a visit that you can't answer? Preparing for a healthcare provider visit can help you get the most out of your health care. Below are tips for helping you prepare for a visit to your health care provider.
Only you can decide whether to tell others about your condition. You may feel that your health is a private matter. Maybe you have a hard time deciding who to tell and how much to say. Or, you might find that talking makes you feel better. The choice is yours.
Be prepared. Know who, when, and how to call in an emergency.
Vaccines are one of the best ways to reduce your risk of illness.
Anything that affects your comfort, safety, and well-being also affects your overall health. This can include housing, transportation, money issues, access to food, and child care.
Anything that affects your patient's comfort, safety, and well-being also affects your patient's overall health. This can include housing, transportation, money issues, access to food, and child care.
Research shows that SDOH play a big role in health. For example, they can affect how long you live, your chances of having a chronic illness, and even how well your healthcare provider takes care of you.
A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and stressful. But a good relationship and open communication with your healthcare provider can make it easier. To help you communicate better with your provider, try these tips.
When you have a health condition, your day-to-day chores don't go away. There are still dishes and laundry to do, groceries to buy, and light bulbs to change. Here are helpful tips to keep things clean as the chores pile up.
Watch this video to learn about Explanation of Benefits and how they can help you keep track of your medical care.
Watch this video to learn what pre-authorization is and how important it is before a procedure, treatment, or surgery.
Step therapy requires people to try lower-cost medicines first, before an insurer approves the higher-cost medicine that was prescribed.
Learn how a family history of certain diseases can increase your risk for that disease.
Watch this video to understand why choosing a center of excellence benefits your health.
An emergency means you could die if you don't get care quickly. Or you could be hurt permanently. Read below to know when to use, and when not to use, an emergency room.
Getting quality healthcare doesn't always mean going into the hospital or emergency room. Depending on your needs, other medical facilities may serve you just as well—or even better.
Many diseases can be prevented by getting vaccinated against them. Read on to learn about advised vaccines.
When an area of the brain is damaged, which typically occurs with a stroke, an impairment may result. An impairment is the loss of normal function of part of the body. Sometimes, an impairment may result in a disability, or inability to perform an activity in a normal way.
