Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...
By Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC
de·ci·sion /dəˈsiZHən/ n., a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.
Making decisions about one’s healthcare was complex prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with the healthcare system facing a variety of challenges, knowing what reliable resources there are to assist in making informed decisions can feel confusing during uncertain times. It is understandable to have questions about your healthcare concerns in the short term and long term.
Let’s explore some questions I’ve received from clients and community members and identify some reliable resources to aid in informed decision making.
All resources provided in this article are for informational purposes only. Check with your medical provider for information specific to your medical care.
short term
COVID-19:
If you are faced with symptom concerns related to the COVID-19 virus, how do you know when to contact your physician?
Here are the CDC’s guidelines for steps to take when you’re sick.
Verywell Health has shared a doctor discussion guide to help you navigate conversations with your provider.
Depending on your healthcare needs, how will you know what the best treatment plan is for you? Who can you ask to help with these decisions? What are reliable sources to learn more about various treatment options such as ventilators and life support?
Speak with your doctor about your concerns and questions. They know your medical history and your current situation and can offer resources to consider to assist you in making informed decisions.
Harvard University explains treatment information in this article.
Here’s a one page document from National POLST (Provider Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) explaining life support options.
Do you have an emergency plan in place? Do you have a “GO plan?” in case you are unexpectedly hospitalized and no one is allowed to accompany you?
Are you prepared to have decisions made for you in the event you cannot? Have you decided on and assigned a healthcare proxy?
The National Institute on Aging provides this resource about choosing a healthcare proxy.
The New Old Age column in The New York Times offers this perspective about advance directives.
Have you spoken to your proxy specifically about your wishes?
Prepare for Your Care’s COVID 19 resource page
Routine Care Needs or Needs for a Chronic Condition or Illness:
How will you decide whether to delay a scheduled appointment, make it a telehealth appointment, or keep it as an in-person appointment?
In mid-April the American College of Emergency Physicians released a poll confirming concerns about a recent healthcare trend that people are avoiding getting the medical care they need. Delaying care can affect medical outcomes. Reach out to your medical provider, discuss your needs, and ask them for a recommendation on what type appointment will be best.
Johns Hopkins Medicine’s article about healthcare during this time
If you need to go to a healthcare facility (lab, doctor’s office, hospital, etc) how will you ensure your health?
Contact the specific facility to ask about their safety procedures.
Johns Hopkins Medicine’s article about healthcare during this time
How do you speak with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you? There are a number of useful resources available to help you.
With the move towards telehealth to deliver safe care to patients, how do you adapt to this model?
Mayo Clinic’s Article about Understanding Telehealth
Next Avenue’s Tips for A Successful Telemedicine Appointment
Are there supplies to have a in your home to be able to share vital signs with your provider?
IMPORTANT: Ask your provider if they think you need any tools at home to assist with monitoring your health. The resources below are provided for informational purposes only.
A story from NPR about how to get the most out of your appointment and another about resources to take your vital signs
American Heart Association’s information on keeping a blood pressure journal
How do you know what level of care you need – telehealth visit, urgent care visit, office visit, ER?
Two Verywell Health Articles: COVID 19 Emergency Care, Getting Urgent Care or visiting the ER
Long Term
Advance Care Planning is your opportunity to make decisions about the care you want at a time when you might be unable to speak for yourself.
It is critical to plan for your future health care to make sure you receive medical care that reflects your values and wishes in the event someone other than you are in the position of making decisions about your care.
Here are some things to consider:
Do you have Advance Directives in place?
Are your Advance Directives current? Do your written documents reflect your concerns and values?
Do those you have designated as your proxy or power of attorney know your specific wishes? How to have that conversation:
Honoring Choices Massachusetts offers resources through their Who’s Your Agent tool
Do I need healthcare tools in my home such as a blood pressure cuff or pulse oximeter?
IMPORTANT: Ask your provider if they think you need any tools at home to assist with monitoring your health. The resources below are provided for informational purposes only.
A story from NPR about how to get the most out of your appointment and another about resources to take your vital signs
American Heart Association’s information on keeping a blood pressure journal
Do I have a support system in place to assist in making informed decisions?
Have I given thought to my healthcare advocacy plan? Is it organized and easily accessible?
Contact me to get you started.
There are a lot of decisions we make every day. Making informed decisions about our current and future medical care is an important tool that should not be overlooked.
During this uncertain time is it more important than ever that we are prepared. Contact me to help you!
To make sure you are prepared view my blog posts: What to include in your Personal Health Record and What to Include in Your Hospitalization "Go" Plan for additional helpful resources.
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Connect With Us: When the complexity of your healthcare situation is too challenging to navigate on your own working with an independent board certified patient advocate can help cut through the “red tape” and reduce complications at an emotional time. Contact Ailene to learn more about the value of working with a private patient advocate.