What do I need to know before signing a consent for surgery?
Before you sign the consent form for any invasive procedure be sure your doctor has explained the procedure to you. Just like with any legal “contract” you should read the …
Archives: FAQs
My young adult daughter is in the hospital. She is on medication that makes her groggy. I want to be involved with her care, but don’t know what I should do.
If you accept this advocacy role, you should plan on being with your loved one as much as possible. Use your voice to ask about diagnosis, prognosis, medications and diagnostic …
My friend is dying. I am hesitant to visit her because I don’t know what to say and I am afraid I will say the wrong thing and upset her.
Go visit your friend! She needs you now more than ever. Tell her you don’t know what to say but you are there because you care and you’ll be with …
I suffer from chronic back pain. A friend has recommended I see an acupuncturist. Is this something that I should pursue?
While seeking out alternative medical treatment may be a good thing, it should be used as a adjunct along with standard conventional medical treatment. Discuss this alternative treatment with your …
Do I have the right to refuse prescribed treatment in the hospital?
Yes, you have the right to refuse treatment or care in the hospital. However, be sure you understand the consequences of that refusal. And know that your insurance company may …
The specialist my Primary Physician referred me to makes me feel really uncomfortable and stupid. What should I do?
Do not be embarrassed to change doctors when the one you are currently using is not meeting all of your needs. It happens every day. Be assertive and proactive for …
My husband’s father and brother both died from prostate cancer before age 70. Should we expect my husband to die from this disease as well?
While prostate cancer does run in families, your husband’s fate from the same illness is not inevitable. He should be sure to have a physical exam each year (or more …
My mother is dying and my family has yet to discuss her inevitable death with her. My brother says we should not have this conversation with her. I feel she deserves that conversation. Who is right?
You are correct. If you ignore the inevitability of death and do not have this important conversation with your loved one, you leave that person alone to face this most …
My father is being discharged from the hospital after a one month hospitalization. I know he will require a lot of care once he’s home. How will I manage that?
The hospital social worker and a home health nurse will come out to the house right after discharge to do an initial evaluation, determine needs, and plan accordingly through the …
I have heard about a new spinal surgery that does not involve cutting into the spine. What is this surgery called and how is it performed?
A new minimally invasive endoscopic procedure is now being done. An endoscopic tube is inserted through a tiny incision. Using a microscopic camera the surgeon can repair the spine.
Why won’t my doctor prescribe antibiotics when I have the flu?
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. The flu is caused by a virus.
I’ve moved to a new city. How do I find a doctor?
Call your local hospital or ask people you meet for referrals. You can also call the American Medical Association. There may be a local Medical Society in your county or …
I need copies of my medical records. How can I get access to them?
According to the Patient Bill of Rights, the facility is required to provide you or your patient designee, upon request, access to all information contained in your medical records. You …
What do I need to know when my doctor wants me to have a diagnostic test?
There are many questions that need to be asked when your physician recommends that you have a diagnostic test. The 3 most important ones are:What is my main problem? What …
Why do I need a patient advocate?
As a patient, you absorb a lot less information when you are anxious, vulnerable, in pain, afraid or undressed. You need an advocate to speak up for you when you …
How is my privacy & confidentiality guaranteed in the health care setting?
HIPAA, the Health Information Portability & Accountability Act of 1996, protects your personal information by holding EVERYONE in the health care arena legally responsible for maintaining your confidentiality.
I’m having a colonoscopy. Will it hurt?
You will be given medications throughout the procedure. You will neither feel or remember what takes place.
My husband is not the same person he was before his stroke. When will he return to being himself?
Doctors will be unable to accurately predict the actual outcome of the brain injury resulting from the stroke your husband suffered. Even with the slightest of brain injuries, there can …
When should I go to the Emergency Room?
You should go to the ER or call 911 for any of the following conditions: Chest pain, heart attack or suspected heart attack, poisoning, severe shortness of breath, uncontrolled or …
How do I prepare for a doctor visit?
Bring with you your PatientAction.com online Health History, health insurance ID card, a list of symptoms you are currently having, either a written list or the containers of all the …
My father is dying. What should I expect from the hospital nurses caring for him?
They will use whatever appropriate treatment and comfort measures they can as they dignify death and support your father and the entire family in the process.
Will hospice dignify my dying husband’s remaining days?
Most families who have experienced hospice care of a loved one will share beautiful and heartwarming stories about their hospice experience and the “angels” who do the very holy work …
What should I bring with me when I’m being admitted to the hospital?
Be sure to bring your health insurance ID card in addition to your completed PatientAction.com online Health History. Bring your medication containers or list of current meds you are on …
What if my doctor is not meeting my needs?
Do not be embarrassed to change doctors when the one you are currently using is not meeting all of your needs. It happens every day. Before you switch doctors, however, …
How do I get my medical bills paid?
Your Patient Bill of Rights states that you have the right to full information and counseling on the availability of known financial resources for your health care. Talk to your …