Are you captain of your health care team ?
Your health care providers don’t do things to you (or your children), they do them with you. as captain of the team and the main player in the day-to-day management you must come to a visit prepared, ask questions and persist until your questions are answered
CHECK GLUCOSE LEVEL REGULARLY AND INFORMED DOCTOR
Before your office visit, share blood glucose results and highlight any results that cause you concern or seem unexplained. This provides the doctor with information to review in advance and Bring a copy of the information you sent with you in case it was not received or got misplaced . Review your blood sugar log before your visit looking specifically for any patterns or things that may have caused unusual highs or lows.
PREPARE QUESTION YOU HAVE TO ASK WITH YOUR DOCTOR
Write down questions and concerns before your appointment. Keep your list short – two or three issues are probably all that can be addressed in most visits due to time constraints – and make sure to discuss the most important things first.
TAKE PROPER GUIDELINES FROM DOCTOR
You should feel comfortable sharing any worries. If you feel that you can’t comfortably talk to your doctor, it may be time to find another provider that you can confide in. Take notes!! Be sure you know what the doctor said and that you understand. If not, ask questions
TAKE FULL INFORMATION ABOUT DRUG CHANGE OR NEW DRUG
If you have information about new drugs or products, share this information with your physician. It could be a learning experience for them, too
DISCUSS ANY PHYSICAL CHANGE OR NEW SYMPTOM TO THE PHYSICIAN
Be honest about what you or your child are or are not doing. This includes compliance, eating, monitoring or other issues. Describe barriers that tend to get in the way of controlling diabetes.• Discuss any physical changes or new symptoms.
PARTICIPATE DECISION SHARING
Engage in “shared decision-making” with your doctor. This means actively participating. The day-to-day management is up to you, and you need to understand the various options and express your preferences regarding the best treatment plan for you and your family
TAKING APPOINTMENT BEFORE IS BENEFICIAL
Discuss how to obtain help outside the scheduled appointments. Ask what may qualify as an emergency and at what point you would need to contact him/her. See if sharing blood glucose levels with the office on a regular basis is beneficial
CALL THE PHYSICIAN AFTER OFFICE VISIT HOURS
Since physicians are often pressed for time, you may wish to arrange a phone call after office hours to explore issues further. Doctors often make calls from the office after they have finished with patients.
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