Communicating Well Helps
Empower You as a Health Care Consumer
The dictionary defines consumer as "a buyer of goods and services." We're all consumers, of course. When most of us think about ourselves in that respect, it's typically purchases such as groceries, automobiles, clothing, cell phone service, dry cleaning and similar things which come to mind. But not health care.
Yet, health care goods and services (and yes, from prescription medication to visits to a specialist, they are indeed goods and services) are among the most important things we ever consume. Plus, over the course of our lifetimes they usually represent the biggest investment we make in ourselves and our families.
Being informed and making smart decisions about our health care options are not only critical to taking care of ourselves, but they can also have a dramatic impact on health care costs.
This August edition of your Steps to Good Health newsletter begins a series about health care consumerism that will span several issues. This issue focuses specifically on communicating effectively with your doctor.
You may also want to review our June 2005 SeniorK Retiree Tip: Making the Most of Your Doctor's Office Visits.