Tips for Being a Wise Health Care Consumer

In an effort to help members of our community to be better health care consumers, General Health is promoting Wise Health Consumer Month (February). The primary goal of Wise Health Consumer Month is to teach people how to be more involved in their own health care. The event was established by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine to give more visibility to the importance of medical self-care and wise consumer programs. Examples of how this can occur are highlighted in the following list.

· Take the time to carefully select a doctor or health care provider. Ask friends or relatives for recommendations. Investigate whether or not the doctor participates with your health insurance plan.

· Prepare for visits to your health care provider by compiling lists of questions or concerns you wish to discuss during your appointment. By making the most of the time you have, you can avoid unnecessary calls and repeat visits.

· Ask questions about medications you are prescribed. Understand why you are taking it and how it should be taken. Finish all medications, even if you are feeling better.

· Keep a checklist of all medications you are taking and share this list with your health care provider. This is especially important if you are seeing more than one doctor. General Health has free wallet cards to help you keep track of your medications and health issues.

· Be aware of routine medical tests and examinations, and the recommended times to have them. You may be able to avoid unnecessary and expensive tests.

· Keep a well-stocked home pharmacy with commonly used medicinal items (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough syrup, Mucinex, Epsom salt, etc.). This can help you deal with common problems and save costly trips to the doctor or emergency room.

· Understand your health insurance plan. A list of basic questions about what is covered and knowing the answers to these questions can save time and money,

· Take care of your mental health as well as you would your physical health. States of emotional upset, including stress, can interfere with daily living routines, and can ultimately affect your physical well-being.

· Keep a list of health agencies handy as a reference. Most are available by phone, fax or email and can serve as a resource for free information and support. Free medical advice is available by calling 800-455-2476.

General Health welcomes most major insurances along with Medicare and Medicaid. Payments by cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted. The clinic is located at the junction of highways 148 and JJ in Hopkins, Missouri.

SOURCE: http://www.aipm.net/wise/pdf/Sample%20Press%20Release.pdf