Dignity Health | St. Rose Dominican | Reach | Fall 2017

My doctor visit checklist This checklist can help you communicate better with your doctor. Fill it out and take it with you to your appointment. You might also use it to prepare for calls to your doctor’s office about your care. The reason for my visit: I am most concerned about _________________________. What the doctor needs to know I have these new or worsening symptoms: _________________________________________________. My health has changed recently (taking new medications, recovering from surgery, etc.): _________________________________________________. I have these limitations (poor vision, difficulty walking, memory problems, etc.): _________________________________________________. Your health or treatment Questions to ask Do you have any follow-up instructions for me? Can I get those in writing? When will I get the test results from my visit? When should I schedule my next appointment? When should I expect to see improvement? If there is no improvement, what should I do? How should I contact you if I have questions after this visit? Staying well Questions to ask Does my family history raise my risk for any health problems? What vaccines, screenings, or medical tests do I need? What are some steps you think I should take to stay healthy? I feel stable unstable getting worse seriously ill Need emergency care? Call 911. Available online! Print extra copies of this checklist or share it with friends and family. Find it at StRoseReach.org . Clip and save needs to know. For instance, be sure to mention when your symptoms started, how often they occur, and how long they last. Listen carefully—and ask questions. It can be a good idea to repeat what’s said in your own words so you’re sure you understand. If you’re confused, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If your doctor recommends medication, ask how to take it and about possible side effects. If he or she suggests surgery or a treatment, be sure you understand why you need it and the risks and benefits. If you have a condition that has a number of treatment options, ask about the pros and cons of each one. Use the checklist form at right. It can help you prepare for doctor visits and calls to your doctor’s office. Looking for Doctor Right? Find a primary care doctor who puts humanity in health care. Search online at StRoseHospitals.org o r call 702.616.4900 . Heading home—and staying there Back so soon? These probably aren’t the words most people want to hear when checking into a hospital. Yet some patients do return for another hospital stay weeks or months after being discharged for the same or a related health condition. “We’re working hard to reduce readmissions,” says Maggie Ozan Rafferty, DHA, RN, chief experience officer for Dignity Health–St. Rose Dominican. “We want to ensure people have the information they need, so they can recover well and stay healthy once they go home.” 3 steps to avoid a return trip to the hospital 1. Understand your discharge instructions. If any aspect of your care isn’t clear, ask the staff to clarify. Be sure to get written instructions as well. 2. Fill your prescriptions —and keep any follow-up appointments. Do the same with any lab work or other tests you need. 3. Know who to call. Ask what symptoms you might need to watch for—and who to call if you start to have new or worsening symptoms. Find the support you need. If you’re living with a new or chronic health condition, check out the various classes and programs we have to help—starting on page 7. Maggie Ozan Rafferty, DHA, RN Reach | Fall 2017 13