by Guest | May 30, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized, Work Well
When your primary care provider (PCP) retires, you move, or your insurance changes, finding a new healthcare provider can be challenging and anxiety-inducing. You want someone you can trust with, well, you. You want someone knowledgeable and empathetic to your personal needs. After all, this is someone you will see during times of vulnerability. Finding the right fit and fostering a good relationship is a vital part of managing your health. There are steps you can take to find someone you are comfortable with who provides the care you are looking for.
Choosing Your Doctor
Many different things go into why you choose a specific healthcare provider. Determine what is most important to you when selecting someone to see.
Qualifications: A PCP is a healthcare provider who sees people for common medical problems. Traditionally, this was a doctor. In the State of Oregon, medical doctors (MDs), osteopathic doctors (DOs), nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and naturopaths (NDs) can all work as primary care providers. Each type of provider has medical training, but the training varies based on their education, which affects how they provide care.
Get to Know Them: Look up their profile on the clinic’s website. This usually includes a photo and a bit of information about the person. Reading online patient reviews may give you a sense of their communication or practice style.
Office Hours and Availability: Finding someone who works when you don’t will make getting your routine care easier. Make sure you know their clinic’s hours, including any weekend or evening availability. Also, when you call to schedule, ask about the specific provider’s availability. Are they booked out months in advance? That is a warning about potential difficulty seeing them when an issue arises.
Insurance Coverage: Some clinics may take your insurance, but your insurance may not cover the one provider you want to see. An example of this is with naturopaths who are not covered by Medicare. It is also important to remember this when your insurance changes. A new insurance may not cover the provider who has managed your care for the last 10 years. Contact your insurance company for a list of covered providers.
Before Your First Appointment
Preparing your first appointment will make the appointment go more smoothly for both you and the new PCP. There are basics any new healthcare provider will need:
Collect information on your medical history:
- Past surgeries, illnesses, chronic health conditions
- Current medications, supplements, and allergy list
- Vaccination record
- Family medical history
Make a list of concerns to talk about with the provider:
- What is most concerning to you that day?
- Keep the list short with at most three items. Appointments are typically only 20-40 minutes. Respect the provider’s time to see their other patients by scheduling a second visit if needed.
- Do you have high blood pressure or diabetes? Write down recent readings to share with the provider.
Making the Most of Your First Visit
Show up prepared to get the visit off to a good start. This will help reduce any anxiety or stress you may have about it.
- Make sure to give yourself enough time for the appointment without needing to rush off to another task.
- Arrive early to fill out paperwork.
- Bring any past medical records or contact information for your previous PCP and specialists.
- Remember that insurance card!
Plan for open communication.
- Be honest about your health. The PCP can’t give you the best care if pieces of your healthcare puzzle are missing.
- Talk about your healthcare goals. Are you worried about a family history of dementia or trying to bring down your blood pressure? Let them know.
- Ask questions to clarify information you don’t understand.
- Request a written summary of the visit for you to review later.
- Know the next steps, such as any follow-up visits or referrals.
Building a Long-Term Relationship
Any good relationship requires effort from both sides.
- Stay in touch with your healthcare provider by scheduling regular well checks.
- Schedule and keep the follow-up visits your provider recommends. These visits are generally to keep an eye on health concerns.
- Keep your PCP updated about any changes to your health, such as new injuries or surgeries.
- If you see a specialist, go to urgent care, or the emergency room, make sure the records of your visit are sent to your PCP.
Finding a PCP can go smoothly with a bit of preparation. One of the fundamental components to developing a good relationship with your healthcare provider is seeing them regularly, not just when you have a problem. This helps the PCP get to know you and your health situation. Open communication will go a long way in building a strong provider-patient relationship, which can help to improve your health outcomes.
AUTHOR: Leanna Coy, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner and Health Content Writer
by Guest | May 27, 2024 | Eat Well, Featured, Lunch & Snack Recipes, Recipes, Uncategorized
by Guest | May 17, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized
Fortunately, Buzzfeed has never claimed to be able to give you any medical diagnosis. But plenty of other sources on the internet walk the fine line between “this is not medical advice” and “this sure sounds a lot like medical advice”. There’s a quiz for everything, and a “cure” for everything. A problem you didn’t know you had, and the product that can solve it (for three easy payments of $19.95, plus shipping and handling!) Anything and everything to do with your health can be found with a few taps on your phone, so it’s important to recognize how media literacy ties in with health literacy.
Let’s take a step back. About 21% of US adults experience chronic pain, or pain that lasts for three or more months. Millions suffer from conditions that have no known treatment or cure. Our doctors don’t always have the answers we are looking for. After all, they can’t prescribe a treatment that doesn’t exist, or diagnose a condition that they don’t have the evidence for. And so, we strike out on our own determined to find a solution to the pain we carry every day. A solution beyond the scientific boundaries of conventional medical practice. Collectively, these solutions are referred to as alternative medicine.
Alternative medicine has real value to many individuals and cultures. That is not up for debate. For thousands of years, alternative medicine was the only medicine. However, there is potential for significant harm as these practices have expanded from healers utilizing medicinal herbs to Dr. Charlatan on the internet trying to sell you an at-home detox regimen that may very well do more harm than good. Many treatments or devices label themselves as alternative medicine when they are little more than a scam.
Here, health literacy and media literacy collide. Having the ability to recognize what information and products are legitimate and which are deceptive (not to mention potentially harmful and a waste of money) can make a significant difference in your health and quality of life. Let’s go over some questions to ask as you evaluate the validity of medical information online:
- Does it come from a reputable webpage, such as that of a university or hospital
system? Keep in mind that anyone can post deceiving information on social
media, or even on a website of their own. The website URL can give you some
clues. Websites ending in .edu=educational institutions, .gov=government agencies, .org =an organization (often non-profit), .com=commercial, and.net=network. Be particularly wary of .com and .net websites, as they could be hosted by anyone.
- Does it conflict with other reputable sources? If so, consider getting a second (or
third) opinion.
- Does the source profit off of your choice? Are they trying to sell you anything (a
device, a course, a supplement)? If they are promoting a supplement, is it their
own brand that they are trying to sell?
- Is it sensational? Black and white? Health information should be educational, not
headline-grabbing or clickbait.
- Do they have credible sources/citations?
- Is the person or organization making statements credentialed to do so? (Some
titles sound legitimate, but require no training or certification. For example,
anyone can claim to be a “nutritionist”, but “registered dietician” is a protected
title for trained professionals.)
To encourage a safe health practices, consider these tips:
- Avoid long gaps in medical care. Establish with a primary care provider (PCP)
and maintain regular visits. Let them know if anything changes with your health.
- Avoid self-diagnosing. Seek the most accurate diagnosis possible from a trained
physician.
- If you choose to take any supplements, ask your doctor if there is any risk that
they will interfere with your prescription medications. Remember that
supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and
sometimes do not contain the product or dosage reflected on the label.
- Don’t change or stop any prescribed medications without consulting your doctor.
- Evaluate how much you are spending on alternative treatments, and whether you
are getting the positive outcomes you are looking for.
What medical treatments or information you choose to follow is ultimately your decision. If alternative medicine provides you with healing and comfort, that’s fantastic! But if you have any questions or concerns about your health, always go to a physician first. Keep up with Tillamook County Wellness’ health literacy campaign to continue learning about how you can play an active role in managing your health. And in the meantime, stick to the TikToks that teach you about gardening, not self-medicating. Be well, Tillamook!
written by Sarah Ermer, MPH, CHES, from Tillamook Family Counseling Center
Resources:
Rikard SM, Strahan AE, Schmit KM, Guy GP Jr.. Chronic Pain Among Adults — United States, 2019–2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:379–385. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7215a1.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2024, February 13). Is this legit? accessing valid and reliable health information. National Institutes of Health.
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/lesson-plans/legit-accessing-valid-and-reliable-health-information
by Guest | May 9, 2024 | Eat Well, Featured, Lunch & Snack Recipes, Recipes
Creamy homemade hummus —a classic Mediterranean dip perfect for sharing.
- 15 ounce can chickpeas/garbanzo, rinsed and drained well
- juice from 1 lemon about 1/4 cup
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- 1-2 cloves garlic very finely minced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- minced fresh parsley
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In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, salt, garlic and yogurt. Process for 1 minute, then open the food processer and scrape the sides. Process for another minute.
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While the processor is running, pour in the olive oil. Taste and check for smooth consistency.
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If the hummus is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water.
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Just before serving, sprinkle with smoked paprika, fresh parsley and drizzle with additional olive oil.
- Enjoy on pita bread, fresh vegetables like carrots and cucumbers, or as a spread in sandwiches and wraps!
Resource: steamykitchen.com
by Guest | May 2, 2024 | Being Well, Featured, Uncategorized
Navigating healthcare can be confusing, and knowing when and where to seek medical attention can feel like solving a complex puzzle. There are different types of medical care, including primary care, urgent care, emergency care, and online doctor visits, and each serves a specific purpose. Having a clear understanding of the differences between them is vital for maintaining your health effectively.
Primary care is your first point of contact for managing your overall health. Your primary care provider (PCP) can help with routine check-ups, preventive care, and treatment of common illnesses. Establishing a relationship with a PCP is important because they get to know your medical history and can provide personalized care and guidance. You should visit your PCP for regular screenings, vaccinations, management of chronic conditions (like diabetes or hypertension), non-emergency illnesses (like colds or infections), and general health concerns.
Urgent care centers are equipped to handle non-life-threatening medical issues that require prompt attention but are not severe enough for an emergency room visit. They offer extended hours and typically treat conditions like minor injuries, infections, and illnesses that need immediate care but are not critical. You should choose urgent care for conditions like sprains, minor burns, fever, vomiting, stitches, or other urgent but not life-threatening issues, especially when your PCP is not available.
Emergency rooms are designed to handle critical or life-threatening situations. If experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, severe burns, or major trauma, head straight to the ER or call 9-1-1. Don’t hesitate. Use emergency care for serious injuries (broken bones, severe cuts), severe illnesses, heart attacks, strokes, or any condition that could be life-threatening.
Telemedicine or virtual visits with doctors provide a convenient way to consult healthcare professionals remotely. This option is suitable for non-emergency issues when an in-person visit is not necessary. You should consider online visits for minor illnesses (like sinus infections, rashes), medication refills, follow-up consultations, or initial assessments of symptoms.
Health literacy is a crucial skill that empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being and navigate the healthcare system effectively. Having a primary care provider is essential for several reasons, including continuity of care, preventive care, health advocacy, and chronic disease management. Your PCP manages your long-term health needs and coordinates care across specialists, ensuring holistic and personalized treatment.
When visiting a healthcare provider, whether it’s a PCP, urgent care, or online doctor, expect a comprehensive evaluation, a physical examination, diagnostic tests, and a treatment plan. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare provider, ask questions, and voice any concerns you have about your health. Your active involvement in your healthcare journey can lead to better outcomes and improved overall well-being.
Understanding the nuances of when and where to seek medical care empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health. By embracing health literacy and establishing a relationship with a primary care provider, individuals can navigate the complexities of healthcare with confidence, ensuring timely access to appropriate care when needed.
To learn more about Medical Services or to find a Primary Care Provider, please visit: https://adventisthealth.org/tillamook/doctors/
https://tillamookchc.org/medical-services/
https://www.nehalembayhealth.org/
Resources:
“Primary, Urgent, Emergency Care and Online Doctor Visits – What’s the Difference?” UnityPoint Health, www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/primary-urgent–emergency-care-whats-the-difference. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
