Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center - (Page 13)

tool Find Your Supporting CaSt Find a New Physician Who’s Right for You Need a new physician but don’t know where to start? Visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/physician to search physicians by location, specialty or insurance. selecting a new doctor—come in and see how things work, see if you like the practice and the staff.” Cutler recommends keeping a few things in mind when evaluating a practice: • Is the office convenient to your home and work? • Do patients regularly have to wait a long time to see the doctor? Will that work for your schedule? • How is the parking and accessibility of the office? Will getting there be a hassle? But more than anything, Moaratty says, it is most important to find a doctor you are comfortable with. “With the right doctor, patients feel more engaged in their own health, more comfortable discussing concerns, and are more likely to follow their doctor’s advice,” she says. “Patients should not only connect with their doctor in terms of personality, demeanor and mood; for many patients it is important that they feel like their doctor is listening and committed to their health. Other patients will sacrifice likability for the preference of their doctor participating in cutting-edge research. Finding the right doctor for you is a crucial element in your overall health journey.” If you do receive a diagnosis from your doctor, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. “The importance of second opinions is huge. Any doctor that is insulted by a second opinion really isn’t worth sticking with as a doctor,” Cutler says. “Always get a second opinion if you get the notion that you should. Trust your instincts.” Every great actor needs a solid cast and crew to produce an award-winning show. In addition to second opinions, when dealing with a diagnosis you likely will turn to a loved one to act as your caregiver during the treatment process. “With a new diagnosis, the caregiver evolves into de facto manager,” says John Schall, CEO of the National Family Caregivers Association. “They’ll want to make sure the healthcare provider recognizes their role as a caregiver and includes them in appointments and discussions. It is often a good idea to have it noted in the patient’s chart who the caregiver is.” Even if you don’t choose one specific person to be your caregiver, it helps to have a second person accompany you to appointments. “When dealing with illness, two people hearing the advice of the doctor is better than one,” Schall says. “Instructions are often forgotten or misunderstood, so having the two of you there listening, and hopefully taking notes, can help ensure that you get it right.” Play Your Part Are you a caregiver? Do you regularly accompany a friend or a family member to doctor visits? Or are you planning on visiting a loved one in the hospital? No matter what your supporting role may be, it helps to have a little guidance. “When it comes to caregiving, people often have to learn what to do and how to do it in quite a hurry,” says Allison Hamlet, patient representative supervisor at Gwinnett Medical Center. Follow these tips to make sure you’re a help, not a hindrance: • Ask your loved one what kind of involvement he or she wants from you. Try to be involved, but not overbearing. • Be ready to learn a few new things. “It is important to be educated about the illness, and it helps to know how to speak with medical pros,” Hamlet says. • Don’t try to be the doctor. “You want to be confident and assertive, but in a positive way,” Hamlet says. “Speak up and ask questions, but also be respectful of the medical team.” Try to remember that the doctor is the expert on medicine, and you’re the expert on your friend or family member. S pri n g 201 3 13 http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/physician

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center
Contents
Phil’s Feature
Where Lasting Weight Loss Begins
Open Heart Surgery Journey
You’re the Star
Heart-to-Heart
Lighten Up!
Have No Fear
Work It!
Diane Keaton
What Are the Chances?
9 Symptoms Never to Ignore
When Allergies Attack
Virtual Health
PrimeTime Health
Aiding Babies
Back on Top
Out of the White Coat
Transforming Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Gwinnett Medical Center