PART 5 (Click Here for Part 1)
Unfortunately hospitals are being run by administrators that see patients as “beds filled” and doctors as “cost centers.” How should we approach a solution to this dilemma? As a private practice physician I long ago realized that healthcare is a partnership. My patients can’t get the best health without being an active participant and I can’t deliver the best outcomes if I don’t understand their needs. This involves dialogue, tough talk and sometimes medications. I often tell my patients that they aren’t paying me to be their friend – they pay me to tell them what their options are and to help guide them to the best solutions.
My advice for how to have the best possible outcomes when you have to go to the hospital:
1) Always take an advocate. This should be someone you trust to speak on your behalf. They should be able to review, question and coordinate the care you get while hospitalized.
2) Always keep your home medications with you as well in addition to a list of your home medicines. If the hospital doesn’t have your medications or insists on substituting similar meds this ensures that you can keep taking the correct medications.
3) Keep a notebook at your bedside. This is where you can keep track of the doctors that are seeing you, the medications being given to you and the tests that were done. Write your questions down and review them daily with all your doctors.
4) Ask what protocols are being followed and why. If possible, get these ahead of time for planned admissions.
5) Pick a hospital where your doctors have privileges and DEMAND that they be involved in your care. Just because your regular doctor knows about your hospital stay doesn’t mean they can get involved. The admitting physician has to consult your doctor in order for them to be able to write orders, prescribe medications, etc.
6) Check the board certifications of the doctors treating you. Some hospitals don’t require the medical staff to be board certified which is no longer considered acceptable.
7) Get a printed out list of your discharge medications. There are frequently duplicates and potential drug interactions. Review all discharge medications with your regular doctors and pharmacist before making major changes.
8) Know your rights. If you think you’ve been harmed or are unhappy with your hospital stay – SPEAK UP. There are numerous agencies you can involve – these vary by community and by state.