Informed People make Healthy Choices

INFORMED PEOPLE MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES

posted 05/13/2008
Being an informed patient is an empowering concept. In the modern wellness care marketplace, patients should be full partners in managing their health and well-being. The practitioner-patient relationship is a two-way partnership in which they work together to manage the patient's care. It's no longer a situation in which the doctor tells the patient what to do.

What does it take to be an informed patient, one who can participate in a meaningful way and not be merely the passive recipient of the doctor's instructions and recommendations? First you and the doctor need to discuss you health goals. In our office we ask you to determine if you are looking for pain relief or a path to optimum health. We then use the SIX STEPS TO WELLNESS (structure, electromagnetic, nutrition, allergies and sensitivities, emotions and toxins) to move you toward your health goals.

Second, you need to identify a practitioner in whom you have confidence. Here are a few essential points to consider:

• The practitioner has spent enough time with you on the first visit
  
  
• The practitioner has focused on you, and has not been distracted by all the other things happening in the office
  
  
• All of your questions have been satisfactorily answered
  
  
• The practitioner's recommendations are clear and you understand what the next steps are going to be.

An informed patient does some preparation, some homework, before the actual office visit. Then do your best to evaluate the doctor's recommendations. First, what are the expected result's? How quickly should you begin to feel better? Are there potential side-effects of the recommended treatment? What are the alternatives?

Alternatives may include other forms of therapy withing the doctor's office and may also include consultation with another specialist. The main point is not to be left with a lot of confusing choices, but to have enough information to go forward with a treatment plan that makes the most sense, both to you and your doctor. We have educational materials in our office that includes books, DVD'S, and health presentations on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm that explain our system of improving your health.

As in all relationships, the doctor-patient relationship is based on clear communication and mutual trust and understanding. You can help your wellness practitioner help you by being informed and participating in the decision-making process.

Yours in Health,
Mark W. Earnhart, D.C.