Useful Tips To Help Streamline Your Healthcare 

Working in healthcare for over 21 years and 15 of those as a Registered Nurse, I would like to help my readers be more productive going to the doctor's office!  

Navigating the healthcare system can be a tedious and very scary experience... but there are things YOU CAN DO to make the process go a little smoother.  

And even for someone like me that has tons of experience, after 4 kids...  I need to keep things together as well! 

I don't know why I have waited this long to write about this topic, but ... better late than never! 

Create a working file of your health history: 

Create a file/ folder or better yet, a binder to keep all the relevant information together and accessible at all times. In it, be sure to have the following: 

Living Will document: If you have one, keep it with you and share it with your doctors and hospital.

Emergency Contact: Name and phone number of someone in case of an emergency or to share pertinent information with if required. 

Operations: The type of operation, year it was done, and the surgeon who did the operation.

Labs: Get copies from any doctor who prescribes blood work.  Keep a copy in your file to show to other doctors if they need it.  (This will help keep them more informed as well as prevent having repeat testing done) 

Tests: Any reports (get copies) from any tests you have done. This may include: X-rays, MRI, Ultrasounds, etc.

Medications: Keep an updated list of ALL medications.  This should include any over the counter medications (e.g. multivitamin, aspirin, herbal remedies, etc.)  If something changes, such as the dose, brand, or medication frequency, be sure to update this on your list. (If possible bring the actual bottles with you to your appointment.) 

Before your Appointment: 

If you are a new patient: 

Bring ALL the new patient paperwork completed in full!   

This happens often: As a new patient, you come in for your 10am appointment, but the paperwork isn't finished.  The doctor can't see you until the papers are all complete and sometimes even entered into the system.  Then it takes you 40 minutes to complete it while sitting in the waiting room.  Your appointment is now backed up and it then takes 3 hours to get out of the office. 

If they don't offer to give you the paperwork beforehand, ASK for it!  And make sure to check the reverse side ... these forms are often double-sided!  

*** Check with the office and see if they have an "online patient portal" where you may have the option to update information and check results electronically.  

If it's a follow up appointment:

Did you have all the tests and procedures done that were asked to have done before your appointment?   If not, perhaps you should call and see if the appointment date needs to be changed until you have all the needed paperwork and tests completed. 

To streamline the process for doctor's visits and check ups: 

Bring with you: 

Your "binder" as created above. (Very important to keep it up to date) 

Medication bottles.

A spouse, friend or liaison who can help record the new information and ask questions you might not think of.  This is especially helpful and important with patients who have impaired memory. 

I really hope this content serves you or a loved one well... If you need additional help or support, please email me directly atKelly@yourtaskcomplete.com .