Are You Asking The Right Health Care Questions?




The Right Questions will Give You The Right Answers

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Let's take a moment to understand the prime purpose of such services and its overall mission. Research shows that individuals who have a good relationship with their health care team receive better care and are happier with their care.  Patients and families who engage with a  Health Care Coach ask good questions which help to  reduce the risk of errors and hospital admissions.  Your health depends on good communication

Healthy  living includes attaining true knowledge that helps you maintain a new lifestyle change. Being a Nurse in such a multicultural city, I have  seen many people receive inadequate care due to a  lack of understanding.  I just want to share some healthcare information to help increase your total potential of staying healthy.


It has been cited that  Doctors interrupt patients 18 seconds into an office visit, on average. Given this fact, patients who seek to maximize their healthcare experience must learn how to speak so that doctors will listen. There are three communication skills that  when applied to a doctor’s visit, can increase odds that your Physician will hear, and help solve the problem.

1st – Prepare what you will say. 


2nd – Know what you would like to achieve.

3rd – Formulate collaborative questions.

The first step in effective communication is to prepare your message. Successful preparation for a doctor visit requires identification your primary health concern, symptoms relevant to this concern, and the length frequency intensity of each symptom. Stick to the facts, keep focused on what you believe to be relevant data, and keep your explanation short.

Asking questions and providing information to your Doctor and other care providers can improve your care. Talking with your doctor builds trust and leads to better results, quality, safety, and satisfaction. Quality health care is a team effort. You play an important role. One of the best ways to communicate with your doctor and health care team is by asking questions. Because time is limited during medical appointments, you will feel less rushed if you prepare your questions before your appointment.

Your doctor wants your questions

Doctors know a lot about a lot of things, but they don't always know everything about you or what is best for you.
Your questions give your doctor and health care team important information about you, such as your most important health care concerns.

Quality health care is a team effort.  With the introduction of Health Care Advocacy, we provide the resources that will help individuals and community health partners  work towards a common goal. More knowledge for all towards true health and wellness.  You play an important role. One of the best ways to communicate with your doctor and health care team is by asking  the right questions, bearing  in mind  that you have limited  time during  your medical appointments, you will feel less rushed if you prepare your questions before your appointment.

Your doctor wants your questions

Doctors know a lot about a lot of things, but they don't always know everything about you or what is best for you.  Your questions give your doctor and health care team important information about you, such as your most important health care concerns,  Your Family History  will be your guide to attaining the best care.


Asking questions is key to good communication with your doctor. If you don't ask questions, your doctor may think you do not need or want more information. Asking questions help your doctor know what is important to you. It also lets your doctor know when something he or she says is unclear.


Your diagnosis is what your doctor thinks is your health problem. Most times your doctor will make the diagnosis based on what you say are your symptoms and the results of a physical exam, lab tests, and other medical tests.

Understanding your health problem will  help you make decisions.  If you know how the health problem may affect your life, activities and what may happen if the condition gets worse, you will be able to handle your challenge  better.

Imagine that your doctor just gave you a serious diagnosis or told you she was concerned about the results of your medical test. You might understandably become scared.
Listening carefully to your doctor and asking questions about a diagnosis or test results can help you get better care. But here's the problem: Just when you should be paying close attention to what your doctor is saying, you may be stunned by the news you just received.
That's when having a health or patient advocate can help.
A health advocate is a family member, friend, trusted coworker, or a hired professional who can ask questions, write down information, and speak up for you so you can better understand your illness and get the care and resources you need.
Research shows that quality health care means taking an active role in decisions about your care. If you're facing a difficult medical decision, it's a good idea to bring someone with you who can help you take an active role in your care when you're not fully up to it.
As a doctor and a patient, I've seen how valuable it is to have "another set of ears and eyes" in the exam room. Having an advocate at medical appointments or during a hospital stay can ensure that you get the information you need to manage your health.


Health advocates can:
  • Ask questions or voice concerns to your doctor for you.
  • Compile or update your medicine list.
  • Remember your medication regimen and help you follow treatment instructions, including asking questions about your follow-up care.
  • Help arrange transportation.
  • Research treatment options, procedures, doctors, and hospitals.
  • File paperwork or assist with insurance matters.
  • Ask the "what's next" questions, such as, "If this test is negative what does it mean? If it's positive, will more tests be needed?"
Many encounters with the medical system are routine and don't require the use of a patient advocate. But there are instances when an advocate can be valuable. For example, if you've had a series of tests and you're concerned the results may reveal a diagnosis such as cancer, you might want to bring an advocate with you to hear and discuss the results.
Getting a diagnosis of a serious illness can be an overwhelming experience. You're likely to be distracted and miss hearing important information. An advocate can receive that information for you and ask the questions you might have later.

Who makes a good health advocate? Someone who is calm, pays attention to details, and can ask questions and state information clearly.


If possible, choose someone who knows you well. Be clear about what kind of help you need and what worries you. It's helpful to give your advocate details of your medical history. For example, you may want to discuss the tests you've had, list medicines you take and provide contact information for other family members and your durable power of attorney.

If your advocate doesn't know you well, make sure to let him or her know if your hearing or vision is limited. He or she can alert your medical team to speak clearly and to read instructions aloud if they are not available in large type.
If you can't locate an advocate before an important medical or hospital visit, you can find a professional, often a nurse or doctor, to serve this role.  Some professional advocates specialize in researching the best available treatments and can assist you at home or in the hospital. Check to see if your health insurance covers these services.

You can also ask your local hospital staff to recommend a patient advocate. In fact, some hospitals and nursing homes employ advocates who work on patients' behalf at no charge.
It's likely that you or a loved one will one day need a health advocate. For many patients, the benefits of having an advocate are priceless because he or she can help you understand your options and give you peace of mind so you can focus on your recovery.
I'm Dr. Carolyn Clancy, and that's my advice on how to navigate the health care system.



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Contact  your Healthcare  Coach Today! Find out how this service will change  your Life forever We are here to help.  We also offer Corporate Wellness solutions. This has been watching out for your Health with Michelle Smith Your Health and Social Advocate I provide cultural diverse services which is essential to navigating the health care system. 










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