Blog 2: Wild Card

I read this article about health care quality and how to know it when you see it. It provides as a guideline for patients to get the quality they deserve. It reminds me of our first blog where we had to write about what quality means to us. As we all know it varies from person to person.  The article makes a statement where many people would think the quality of care lays with how fast they get in to see the doctor or amount of time spent at their visit. Ideally, everyone would want to get their appointment time when it is convenient to them and be seen at that specific time as well as sufficient amount of time spend with the doctor.  The author makes a comparison of health care and a mechanic shop. “The people in the shop can be friendly and listen to your complaints, but the most important thing is whether they fix the problem with your car”. It gets the reader thinking and for myself, I realized that was true. There are times where I have gotten poor service by the staff members but got what I needed and was satisfied. At the time of poor service by the staff, I thought to myself I would never come back. Same goes for having a welcoming visit but issue was not corrected nor did I get the answer.

The author makes recommendations in taking an active role and being in charge of your health care. During doctor visits, the patient should ask as many questions, research symptoms and diagnoses. Being informed about labs, test and procedures is essential to one’s health and the healthcare system. Find out what needs to be done and exactly why. Many physicians order unnecessary tests which put the patients through hassle and in essence hurt our health care system. If a test is going to be done, inquire about when to expect the results. Many organizations allow patients to fall through the cracks resulting patients to go into anxiety mode because they are anxiously waiting to find out their results. Other questions needed to be ask pertaining to prescriptions and surgery.

Overall, it is important to learn about health care to receive quality healthcare. Without understanding, insurance companies and organizations will take advantage and give you the run around while they are benefiting from your health issues.  With the various health care plans, it is essential to choose a plan that fits the coverage, benefits, providers and services suitable for you. Research possible doctors you find interested and get their ratings and if possible hear different reviews from previous/current patients. I always do my research and read reviews even though it’s an individual’s personal experience; I do this for products, facilities and organizations. Sometimes it is best to do your own investigation to chose a physician, hospital, clinic, health plan and understand your diagnosis along with procedures, test and medications that comes along with it. 

Reference:

Agency for Health Care Research & Quality. (2005, September). Guide to health care quality. Retrieved from http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/guidetoq/guidetoq.pdf