How do I become The Total Patient?

You can do it! My BFF and I love Bitmoji. I'll see if I can add the 'Rosie the Riveter' bitmoji...

Taking control is the first step to being the best patient you can be!

 

 

5 Tips for being the best Total Patient
 

1. Be prepared- Be on time, write down your questions (2-3 max; we'll discuss this later), bring ALL current medications. When the medical assistant asks why you're here, tell them! I do a lot of preparation for the visit based on what you tell the MA, so be honest and thorough!

2. Be open to conversation- It is very difficult to converse with a patient who says, "IDK, YOU'RE the doctor, you tell me". We are discussing YOUR health!

3. Be involved- If we make a lab appointment, keep it! If we make a referral, go to that appointment! If you have a question, call us! If you are struggling with your blood pressure or glucose, come see us and bring a journal or log! Anything you can do to support your condition will make our jobs infinitely easier and this means more time with us!

4. Take responsibility for yourself- You know you should change your diet, you know you should walk more. DO IT! Make these small, manageable changes. We can encourage you, but you have to put some effort in, too!

5. Don't be a stranger- The best part is developing a relationship. If I see you every quarter (4x/year) I remember your face, I can pull up previous visits and see what we discussed, see where we're going, what we need to do. If I see you once a year, it's much more difficult. And, I will spend a lot of time catching up on preventative medicine.

You're well on your way to being the best Total Patient and the best You! I sound like Dr. Oz....yikes!