July 2001
Making the Most of Your Health Care

Are you happy with your medical care? Have you ever really thought about it, or do you go through the motions because it’s expected of you. Think about it. If you are happy with your care, GREAT! But if not, what would make it better? Here are some suggestions for getting what you need:

1) Begin educating yourself. Providers seldom have the time to instruct patients on the basics, but they almost always welcome working with a client who is willing to learn. You can call the BABES office for one-on-one treatment education, (and lots of easy to read brochures) or go to a STEP health management workshop. The next series will be in September.

2) Figure out what you want and need. Does it matter if your provider is a man or woman? Do you want to see one provider for basic care and a specialist for HIV/AIDS? Do they have to have MD, PhD behind their name, or would an experienced nurse practitioner work? Do you want someone to tell you what to do, or some one who will help you make decisions?

3) Be realistic. If you want a busy provider to spend time with you, be willing to wait for them, or to clear your schedule to meet their schedule.

4) Prepare for appointments. Make a list of concerns; write them down in order of importance. Take it with you; make a copy for your provider to take notes on and to put in your file. After all, they are human and may forget what you talk about from visit to visit.

5) Communicate your treatment concerns and needs respectfully. This doesn’t mean you have to do everything they tell you. You and your provider may have differing points of view on an issue. That’s okay. You do need to explain your position and listen to theirs.

6) Be willing to compromise. Maybe your anti-HIV combination is giving you fits, and you’re ready to quit, but your provider likes how well it’s keeping your viral load down. If he or she agrees to make a switch if you’re still having side effects in two months, you could agree to go back on the old combination if your provider isn’t happy with the results of the new one.

7) Remember that most people who work in this field really care. Sometimes, because they care, emotions may run high. Don’t try to guess what your provider is feeling; ask what is going on. Many providers have seen a great deal of suffering, and they may simply be trying to protect you. If you don’t want to be protected, it is okay to ask them to “stop it” or “thank them for their concern”, whichever works for you. They may also ask questions that you aren’t comfortable with. Feel free to ask them why it is important that they know before you answer.

And finally, once you find a provider you are happy to work with, try and let them really get to know you. The quality of your care will ultimately depend on how well your provider knows you and how well the two of you communicate. Make the most of this relationship and live.

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