You can improve the quality of your health care by using six keys to open doors to more personalized health care and it does not cost extra nor require special knowledge.
Key 1 - Have a primary physician who is primary care or family physician or an internist.
Some insurance plans such as HMO (Health Maintenance Organizations) require this but it is good idea for everyone.
All your history, tests and medications are available at one place.
if you go to a specialist, you request your records be send to your primary physician.
Ultimately it saves you time and ensures that all your information can be fitted together for the most accurate picture.
Key 2 - Have one pharmacy where you get all your prescriptions filled.
The pharmacist will have a record of all your meds and check for compatibilities and drug interactions.
This can prevent problems.
They can better advise you on the compatibility of over-the-counter drugs to current prescriptions.
Key 3 - Have a record of all your medications with doses and frequencies noted.
Keep it current.
Keep a copy of it with you.
Take it with you when you have an appointment with a physician..
Some physicians like you to bring your medications bottles with you.
Include Over-the-counter medications such sleeping pills, vitamins and pain relievers as potent drug interactions can occur.
Key 4 - Have someone designated to make health care decisions if you are unable.
States vary in which documents to use but usually they are Durable Power of Attorney or Health care Surrogate.
Most allow you to designate a back-up person, which is a good idea.
Make sure the person that you designate knows and agree to do it.
Some states require the appointed person to accepts in writing.
If you are the health care surrogate for someone, be sure you know what the person wants.
Key 5 is a companion to Key 4.
You should decide and discuss how much care you want near the end of life.
The term "Advanced Directives" apples to either wanting everything possible done or nothing done or something in between.
It may be difficult or easy to make.
As the daughter of two people who made their wishes known, the comfort in knowing that I was following their wishes was great.
I have seen too many discussion around a dying person with the family not knowing what to do and what their loved one wanted.
Key 6 is to keep these important documents where they can be found easily.
Placing them in a safety deposit box invites delay.
Your physician should also have a copy.
Some communities encourage people to have copies in their refrigerator with a red indicator on the door.
They will always check for it.
While these keys do not covers all areas, they are a start on healthy and dignified aging..
Try one or all six.