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Navigating the health care system: no matter what happens with health reform over the next year, big changes will take time. So you still need to be savvy about how to get the best possible care at the best price for yourself and your family.(LIFESTYLE CORNER)
Here's what I've learned over the years from being on both sides of the issue.
* Know your policy. Do not, repeat, do not, expect your health care professional or his or her office staff to know what your policy covers. They are typically dealing with a dozen or more health plans, and it is impossible for them to be familiar with the benefits and networks of each.
* Save everything--every communication from the insurance company, every bill from your health care professional's office, every receipt for a co-pay or deductible payment. Insurance companies (and offices) make mistakes.
* Evaluate the available plans during open enrollment. Think about what your family's health care needs and how much you typically spend in a typical year. If you are fairly healthy and don't need much medical care, then a plan with a high deductible and low premium might be best; but, if you have a chronic condition that requires ongoing care, make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket costs.
* Be your own health advocate. That means checking into the hospitals, labs and specialists to which you are referred rather than simply taking your health care professional's word that they are good. It means questioning diagnoses or treatment recommendations if they don't sound right to you; making your health care professional aware of any side effects or problems you have with the treatment; and following up on tests if you haven't heard back from your health care professional's office. Tests can get lost.
* Track your medical history. Until we have a national system of medical health records, you have to be your own medical health record. This is particularly important if you have a chronic condition like diabetes or cancer. Keep a running list of every health care professional you've seen (including phone and address), every test ordered (and the results), every drug you've been given (and the side effects). Give a copy-to every new health care ...
- Changes proposed to definition of care "professional".(licensed health care...
- Magazine article from: McKnight's Long-Term Care News December 14, 1999 700+ words
...proposed changes in the definition of a "licensed health care professional." The changes are intended to better define...Specifically, under the proposed changes, a licensed health care professional must be "employed by the owner or operator of...
- Face-to-face with your health care professional.(LIFESTYLE CORNER)
- Newspaper article from: National Women's Health Report Peeke, Pamela October 1, 2004 700+ words
...this: When you see your health care professional (and don't forget to...health information your health care professional is giving you, maybe...Try e-mailing your health care professional. As a busy physician...
- Chiropractic; Questions to Ask.(to your health care professional)
- Newspaper article from: NWHRC Health Center - Chiropractic March 16, 2005 700+ words
...important health issue with your health care professional. * Which kinds of conditions...medical doctors or other health care professionals? * Are you willing to talk to my primary health care professional? * Can you suggest exercises...
- HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONAL NETWORK FOR THE NORPLANT SYSTEM (LEVONORGESTREL...
- Press release article from: PR Newswire December 16, 1994 700+ words
...announces the launch of a new Health-Care Professional Referral Network for...requesting the name of a local health-care professional who can provide information...these concerns with their health-care professional. The Norplant(R...
- Novartis Announces Unprecedented National Initiative to Help Patients, Health...
- Press release article from: PR Newswire April 27, 2004 700+ words
...Pressure, which will unite health care professionals and patients...diverse group of professional health care organizations that are supporting...goal as determined by their health care professional after taking the maximum dose...
- Physician and other health-care professional counseling of smokers to quit -...
- Newspaper article from: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report November 12, 1993 700+ words
...outpatient physician and other health-care professional counseling of smokers...visited a doctor or other health-care professional in an outpatient setting...by a doctor or other health-care professional. Doctor visits that...
- Women First Commences Internet Partnership With Major U.S. Health Care...
- Press release article from: PR Newswire August 18, 2000 700+ words
...and one of the largest health care professional organizations in the U...ability to expand our health care professional audience and capabilities...and one of the largest health care professional organizations in the U...
- The Health Care Professional as Friend and Healer: Building on the Work of...
- Magazine article from: Theological Studies Iozzio, Mary Jo March 1, 2002 700+ words
THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL AS FRIEND AND HEALER: BUILDING...and challenge anyone involved in health-care to recognize and develop moral sensibilities...or in the educational training of health-care practitioners. Many do celebrate...
