What strategies can you use to navigate the healthcare system?

One of the most important assets for access is a physician that has the time, energy & know-how to help facilitate your care. Often our PCPs are so overwhelmed by their work load & sheer volume of patients it's hard for them to "quarterback" complex care - I know because I was a pediatrician for 10 years before I went back to Allergy Fellowship, so I've been the one doing that...and now I try to help as a specialist. Often I'm the one finding my patient another specialist in a different field or making the doc-to-doc call to expedite their appointment. I also became a board certified Patient Health Advocate, so I can help patients access good care even if they are out of state. Health Advocates can help patients understand their options.

Familiarize yourself with patient rights and responsibilities specific to your region or healthcare system. Consider creating a "rights and responsibilities" card or document to carry with you to appointments for reference and assurance.

Always do your own research so you will be prepared to ask the right questions confidently. Patients should know and understand their rights and be comfortable with their healthcare team. Educating the patient from a person-centered approach will help patients and their families know the whole process of navigating the healthcare system. Also building "care teams" amongst patients will help the medical professionals know what concerns the patients has as well.

It’s important to know your rights as a patient navigating through the system. Do your homework before your appointments so you can best prepare to advocate for yourself! Bring a friend or family member with you if possible!

Knowing its the essential concept were the first man was trying to understand and to develop…. Knowing your borders , knowing where you will be safe and how you can be safe its the order for having your rights in another words what belongs to you and what you can earn. So knowing your rights it’s not enough you should practice it .

Create a standardized appointment preparation form for yourself or your loved one. This form can include sections for symptoms, questions, current medications, and any changes in health. Review and update this form before each appointment to ensure you cover all necessary points.

"Being in the know" is important in the navigation of health care systems. Ask questions as much as you can and reassure yourself of the services being rendered.

Go with open mind for open discussions about the current and past health concerns Also have questions about next visit and plans for future appointments

Too frequently I encounter patients who return from appointments with a poor understanding of what diagnoses were made, what recommendations in treatment occurred, and what follow up appointments need to be made. Education and medical literacy has become an essential part to being a participant in one’s own care. Assisting in the furthering of knowledge among patients is each and every healthcare workers duty.

I like to teach patients to think of their visits as a business or committee meeting. You certainly wouldn’t show up to a meeting with your peers or colleagues and not be prepared on the agenda topic nor have something valid and relevant to contribute. We all can understand that preparation is necessary for most meetings, so coming prepared with questions as well as input is expected. In addition, netting gave time constraints, so make the most of it by being prepared. This mindset helps to remind the patients that they are in a partnership, not a dictatorship, with their providers, and it’s in their best interest to participate knowledgeably and fully with their care team.

Develop a habit of conducting research after receiving a diagnosis or before deciding on a treatment. Create a trusted list of medical websites, journals, and patient forums that you can turn to for information. Remember to discuss any findings with your healthcare provider to ensure they align with your specific health needs.

Familiarize yourself with your condition. Utilize medical society websites like radiologyinfo.org which is prepared by healthcare professionals. Ask questions and get a second opinion if you need more information.

It’s so important to know your options in any situation. We all have choices to make in every situation we go through. It’s nice to know that you can choose what is best for you.

When researching, try to find similarities in not only your symptoms but your family health history. Don’t feel intimidated when asking the physician about your research because it’s common for a patient to be told/hear don’t trust what you read. One way to get around this would be to make sure when going over your personal notes about your symptoms and family history, research which tests are recommended. Call your insurance to see if covered and ask for it at your appointment. If denied anything, always request a note be made on your account that you were refused.

Keep a folder or digital file of all healthcare-related bills and insurance communications. After receiving care, compare your bills with the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and note any discrepancies or opportunities for negotiation. Consider seeking out workshops or resources that teach medical bill negotiation skills.

The first priority is to either arm yourself with the prerequisite knowledge about your insurance plan and coverage or hire someone who knows this information better than you. As a father to four boys, we are regularly making trips to the urgent care for x-rays, or at times the emergency room. I always negotiate a "prompt pay discount" after my high deductible insurance plan has processed the claim and I try my best to get allowed amounts or fee schedules for common procedures before choosing where I go to receive medical services.

Your legialatures and the Department of Banking and Insurance are valuable resources when you need assistance in getting insurance to cover eligible services. It is important to know what services your insurance covers. But it is equally important to know the contact information for who can help you in your fight with insurance so you are not unnecessarily paying more for services. Their assistance could mean the difference of a 25 thousand dollar bill and a $250 bill. Do not be afraid to reach out for help or to utilize your legislatures and the Department of Banking and Insurance for assistance in getting your insurance to properly cover the services you are eligible for.

One of the most stressful things to encounter is a bill. To help with this, call your insurance prior to your appointment regarding coverage and what you should expect to pay. Request a breakdown of all charges, the codes used and compare. See if you’re being charged more than once for the same thing. Ask about financial assistance with the organization.

Actively seek out and join support groups, both in-person and online, for your specific health condition. These groups can provide emotional support, practical tips, and insights into navigating the healthcare system effectively. Also, consider identifying a healthcare mentor—someone who has been through similar health experiences and can guide you.

Honestly it all comes down to having compassion for your patients and your staff! Remember we are all human we make mistakes. Build your team and tell them how important they are! Build them, teach them! Don’t beat them down…. Make them love coming to work and doing their best!!! I love my team! They are human and they make mistakes but we learn from them and do better each day!!

Researching and building support groups will be vital to navigating your health care journey. Routine medical appointments can be scary and feel isolating all on their own. As you need specialists, medications, testing, procedures and more frequent appointments it becomes very easy to feel more and more overwhelmed, confused and alone. And this can become amplified if you are taking care of a sick parent or child. Having support groups in place can help make sure you are getting the emotional and spiritual support you need. Allowing others to support you during stressful times can help alleviate the toll stress can take on your body's physical and mental health.

One time I worked as a waitress in many different restaurants. This experience has help me in my nursing profession and with my patients. You see many different personalities in both settings.

Recognize that often times you are building your library of resources in the beginning of a diagnosis. You may not need every avenue of support at that time but knowing where, and to whom, you can reach out to at different stages can give you confidence you will be able to navigate your health no matter what changes or challenges may occur.

All of the above but you have to be prepared to be your own advocate. Remember it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the attention. Seek support to fight your battle for what you need from all quarters. There is no place for rudeness but there is also no place for being meek and mild. Your perception about your health is your reality. You have been living with this body for many years and you know it best and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. And be kind to yourself. Being a patient can be a tough gig. You’re allowed to be angry and sad and happy and every other emotion all in one day. Take care

Look into supportive services and resources that can wraparound you during a difficult diagnosis. Oftentimes there are additional non-traditional treatments and support that work alongside standard care. A good example is during cancer treatment you could benefit from acupuncture or nutrition support to help combat side effects during chemotherapy.

1. Stay Informed about Health Insurance. 2. Utilize Preventive Care: Take advantage of preventive care services. Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations can help you identify and address health issues early, reducing the need for more extensive and costly treatments later. 3. Keep Organized Health Records. 4. Explore Telehealth Options. 5. Participate in Support Groups

In my experience as a nurse for 20 years who has worked in hospitals, research and the community the answer is that the government needs to recognize the worth of Nurse Practitioner’s and pay them through OHIP so that they can work autonomously out of their own clinics. Concentrating mainly on patients with chronic illnesses like CHF and COPD. NPs can fill out ODSP forms to help those in need at the same time building relationships with patients so they will come back for care taking the strain off of ER departments and family doctors. I intend on becoming an NP and leading a grassroots movement to fight for government support, and advocate for NP run clinics in Niagara to support the marginalized population who do not have family doctors.

Bring a trusted companion to your healthcare visits. It is always helpful to have someone to listen to your visit and to help you retain what is discussed and help to remind you of any necessary follow up. It also can ease tension and anxiety to have someone with you.