- How can I select the best health care provider for me?
- How should I prepare for my health care appointment?
- How do I work with my health care professionals to get
the most out of my medical plan?
- How can I gain some control over my health care, and
make my own decisions?
- How can I get the information and help I need to deal
with my health concerns?
- How to I deal with my feelings about what is
happening with my body?
If you are switching to an adult practitioner, ask for suggestions from your
local hospital's referral service, the national organization of your chronic illness or
disability, your present pediatric doctor, and other adults with your disability or
illness. Remember, you can interview a doctor before you decide to choose him or her as
your doctor.
If you are staying with your family care practitioner, tell him or her that you
are working toward taking responsibility for your own health care.
Back to Top
If it's your first appointment, make sure you schedule enough time for it. The
staff person scheduling your appointment should be able to help you estimate how much time
you'll need. Write down your concerns and questions ahead of time. Write a short summary
of your condition, including past and present treatments and medications, to share with
your health care provider. Bring any equipment you use with you. You also may want to
bring paper and pencil to take notes to read later, or you may bring a tape recorder to
record your visit. (Request the provider's permission before you use a tape recorder.)
Back to Top
Take responsibility for becoming part of the team that determines your care. Ask
questions! Be straightforward and thoughtful when you talk with health care professionals.
Be considerate, and have a positive attitude.
Back to Top
 Be well-informed about yourself. Read about
your disability or chronic illness. Ask your health care professional what you can expect
of your body, now and in the future. Talk to other people who have the same disability or
illness. And see the next topic for more on this important
subject!
Back to Top
Other people have similar concerns, so you're not alone. There are lots of
resources for you, but to find them you need to be persistent and not give up. Check with
your pediatrician or family practitioner, your school or public library, organizations
that represent people with your disability or chronic illness, newsletters, and state and
national government offices for persons with disabilities.
Back to Top
Again, you're not alone. Lots of people have had similar feelings and concerns.
It helps to talk with other teens or adults who share your disability or illness. It's
also a good idea to attend peer support groups and organizations.
Psychologists, nurses, social workers, school counselors, ministers, rabbis, and
priests can also offer support and guidance. You can also read books by people who have
learned to deal with disability or chronic illness, and magazines written especially for
people with disabilities or chronic illness.
Back to Top |
