Supporting Health and Wellness -Scheduling and Preparing for Doctor Visits
The course emphasizes the importance of preparation, communication, and active participation to ensure that doctor visits are productive and beneficial.
The course emphasizes the importance of preparation, communication, and active participation to ensure that doctor visits are productive and beneficial.
Course Overview
Importance of proper preparation for doctor visits
Involving the person supported in the process
Collecting necessary information (medical insurance, date of birth, specific concerns)
Before calling the doctor's office, gather the person’s supported medical insurance information and date of birth
Mention any specific concerns that may require more time during the appointment, such as a new health issue
Identify potential risks based on the person's supported needs and preferences, such as anxiety while waiting or the need for specialized equipment
Work with the person supported and their planning team to prepare written information for the doctor, including an Ask-the-Doctor Checklist
Help the person supported practice discussing their main complaint and questions before the visit
Ensure they know what to expect during the appointment
Assess potential risks and help the person supported create a plan to address them, such as providing entertainment for waiting times
Encourage confidence and active participation during the visit and seek assistance if needed to support the person effectively
Prior to the visit, discuss health concerns with the person’s supported and others involved in their care
Bring a written list of concerns and questions, limit to top three priorities, and help the person supported practice asking questions
Encourage candid communication, active participation, and understanding of the doctor's explanations
Participants will be able to:
Proper preparation for doctor visits is crucial for ensuring that all necessary information is communicated, leading to better healthcare outcomes.
Involving the person supported in scheduling and preparing for doctor visits empowers them, promotes autonomy, and ensures their needs and preferences are considered.
Gathering and organizing all relevant medical information before scheduling a doctor's visit helps streamline the appointment and ensures that the healthcare provider has a complete understanding of the patient's health status.