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Alternative & Integrative Healing Modalities

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The world of medicine is quite vast and that does not just include what we know about modern science. Indeed, “medicine” also encapsulates everything that we know about ancient healing techniques most often attributed to Eastern medicine. This includes things like energy healing and naturopathy, herbalism, and massage.

Traditional Medical Model vs New Medical Model

What we understand about “traditional medicine” in the West, though, is that medicine is used to treat symptoms in hopes of preventing the further onset of disease. Typically, you have a primary physician and then you might have other specialists that you see when it is necessary. For example, you might see your physician, who then recommends you schedule an appointment with another neurologist or a gastroenterologist for your nerve or digestion problems, respectively.

This model is highly attractive to primary care physicians, of course, because it allows them to see as many patients as possible on any given day (because they make far less money than specialists). But it can be tedious and time-consuming and can ultimately cost the patient more money from unnecessary visits.

Thus, the new medical model attempts to develop more of a health care team where you, as the patient, are more like the coach. Using your electronic health records to better track your health, your health care team can better strategize your care; indeed, you have a team of individuals working for you to determine the best course of care. They coordinate care between hospitals, nursing facilities, specialty-care providers, and even home services to provide the most effective care possible.

One of the biggest benefits of the new model is that it reduce the number and frequency of emergency and urgent care visits for patients who might need more specialized care (but aren’t getting it).

Billing and Payment: Ask for Payment Plans

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Health insurance is important because health care is expensive. The purpose of insurance, of course, is to pay for your expensive doctor visits and treatments in a more financially sound way—after all, it is extremely difficult to pay for health care out of your own pocket.

Now, of course, health insurance itself is not cheap, but insurance companies make it easier to financially manage them by establishing payment plans that you let you pay for coverage and then pay for additional needs as they are used. If you never get into an accident or your car is never stolen, for example, you can pretty much be certain to pay the same, relatively affordable amount of money every month, for your automobile.

The same goes for health insurance, for the most part: you pay monthly to have access to insurance and then for each medical service or item you need, and it always more affordable to manage your health care through insurance than to try to pay for it all yourself.

However, sometimes you do have to pay out of pocket expenses for your health care. Whether you don’t have insurance or you have exceeded your deductible, this money comes out of your pocket and will go towards paying your health care.

This can be stressful, of course, but remember that health care is an industry and as an industry doctors have a responsibility to the service and to the patient. If you have to pay any out of pocket expenses simply ask the hospital to set up a payment plan. They want to retain your service as a patient they also want to make sure that you remain healthy so making it easier for your to pay your bill ensures both sides get what they need.

Planning Ahead Advanced Directive: End of Life Wishes

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Nobody wants to think about the end of life, let alone plan for it but making arrangements for what should happen at the end of your life is one of the most important things you can do in your life.

And if you have been advised to pursue this avenue, you will likely be designing an Advanced Directive.

What is an Advanced Directive?

Put simply, an Advanced Directive is a legal document which officially outlines your pre-determined decisions about the end of your life. These are decisions you have made far ahead of time, and put into writing in the event that you cannot make the requests yourself. It outlines not only what you would like your doctor to do but also helps you to communicate to family and friends to avoid confusion about your intention (which often involves the end of life support or the refusal of life-saving surgery).

Debunking the “Death Panel” scare

The term “Death Panel” came about during the 2009 Presidential debate; it refers to federal health care legislation in which bureaucrats would decide the fate of a terminally ill patient. It was a manufacture term that misconstrued the Advanced Directive, a part of “Obamacare” that allowed for counseling and patient control over end of life situations. Truly the exact opposite of a death panel. 

Completing your Advanced Directive

Each state has its own Advanced Directive form. Also known as “Do Not Resuscitate,” this is the paperwork you need to fill out in order to make your demands. You do not need a lawyer to fill it out as it becomes legally valid once you sign it in front of a witness.

More information may be found at: http://www.cmanet.org/about/patient-resources/end-of-life-issues/

You can have multiple directives if you spend time in more than one state. Also, they never expire so once you complete it will remain unless you fill out a new one, which will replace the old one.

Not Feeling Well? Address It. It only Gets More Costly

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IMG_6612-619If you are not feeling well it is important to get the appropriate care. But how do you know what kind of care you need?

That is a very good question.

When you are sick, it can seriously interfere with your life. You might have to miss work or school or social events. Of course, it can also make it very difficult to pay attention to your family and friends.

But the most important thing to consider when you are not feeling well is how severe your symptoms may be. This is actually a question that your doctor will ask you when you go to see them anyway!

So, the first thing you want to do is assess the severity of your symptoms. Are you experiencing pain or discomfort? This is the difference between a broken bone and indigestion. The former is painful and the latter is uncomfortable. Of course, if your indigestion is ALSO painful, then you can tell your doctor that the symptoms are pretty severe. You will also need to determine how much pain or discomfort you are feeling. Is the pain dull or sharp? Is it shooting or throbbing? Etc.

Once you determine the severity of your symptoms you need to determine the most appropriate course of action. If the pain is not very strong, for example, over the counter analgesics or acute care medicines might be fine. You can always visit the doctor if these medications don’t work.

After you see your doctor, though, you can discuss which preventative measures you can take to avoid certain conditions. If you have heartburn, for example, changing your diet or drinking more water could be enough to prevent the symptoms from occurring. If you experience headaches, dehydration might also be an issue, as well as diet or even simply too much stress.

Being Proactive: Take Your Power Back

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No matter what you are feeling or how well you take care of yourself, it is important to see a doctor, even for an occasional check-up. But sometimes that experience can be uncomfortable. Indeed exposing your body and lifestyle choices to a stranger can be intimidating is not always easy, but as a patient you have rights and, more importantly, you have power.

Doctors need patients. Their job is to help you to get better. Remember that, first and foremost.

Why Do We Find Doctors Intimidating

Yes, they go to school for a long time and yes, they know a lot of big words. You pay them a lot of money to guess at what is making you sick and what can make you better. If you feel intimidated around your doctor it is likely that you view their knowledge and experience to be of more value than your own. When your toilet leaks or your car breaks down don’t you call a plumber or a mechanic?

So when you are sick, wouldn’t you simply rely on a doctor because you know they are qualified to get the job done?

Remember that doctors go to school for many years to get the specialized knowledge patients need to feel comfortable in their abilities. That knowledge should not be intimidating to you.

What are Your Personal “Buttons” with Doctors?

If you find that your doctor is intimidating it might have more to do with personal “hot buttons” than that doctor’s attitude. Maybe the doctor speaks too fast or with too much panache and these don’t appeal to your tastes. Maybe you prefer one gender over another. While some might argue discrimination, the most important thing to remember when you visit the doctor is that you need to trust they want the best options for you. If you can’t understand them and they won’t slow down, get another doctor. If you are a woman and you prefer a female clinician, ask for one!

Reframing These Empowering Beliefs

You are the patient. You are in charge of your health. Doctors have the dutiful task of serving you. If you feel intimidated, remember that they can’t do their job without patients to treat and the good doctors know that your comfort and care is the most important thing. You have the right to shop around for a doctor the same way you would shop around for a new car or a new home. You have the right to seek out the best possible doctor for your care.

 

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