Educate yourself before that test or procedure
Your health care provider has just recommended a particular test or procedure. What's going through your mind? Probably many questions—Why is this necessary? Will I be all right? What are they looking for?
The first course of action to get ready should be an open and honest discussion with your health care provider. Each situation is unique, and each test or procedure comes with its own set of risks and benefits.
An article in the Washington Post called this process of providers and patients thoroughly discussing the pros and cons of a test or procedure "shared decision-making." According to the article, the discussion is "aimed at filling the gaps of knowledge" patients may have about the risks and benefits of the procedure.
Shared decision-making, however, has not become the norm. It is in your best interests to become an educated health care consumer and initiate a thorough discussion if your health care provider does not. This is your body and your health. You are within your rights to put off the test or procedure until you fully understand all the risks and benefits. You are also within your rights to get a second opinion from another health care provider. With preauthorization, WEA Trust will cover such a visit.
Take control of the quality of your health care
Use the following websites to check out your health care provider's quality of care or inform yourself about important health care issues:
www.jcaho.org—Click on "The Joint Commission Quality Check" to find out if your provider is JCAHO accredited.
www.ahrq.gov—Click on "Consumers & Patients". This site, from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, provides information under topics such as Quality of Care and Prevention & Wellness, as well as many others.
www.medicare.gov—This site helps you locate and compare hospitals in your area.
www.healthfinder.gov—The Consumer Guide allows you find a provider or facility. The site, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also provides information on a variety of interesting health-related topics.
www.aaahc.org—This is the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care website. Find accreditation information on outpatient care facilities.
It’s Safe to Ask
To help members become more involved in their health care, the WEA Trust is conducting the “It’s Safe to Ask” campaign. |
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