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Photo Credit: Kathryn Kirk/Brooklyn BP’s Office
Borough President Adams met with representatives from the SEIU Doctors Council, including doctors from NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island and NYC Health
+ Hospitals/Woodhull, in his conference room at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
PATIENTS: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
When going to the doctor, patients
often do not take advantage of asking
critical questions and taking ownership
of their own health. Just as parents
want the most information on schools in
Brooklyn to make the best choices for
their kids, the same should be the case
for any patient in understanding their
rights and treatment options, as well as
the responsibilities of health practitioners
in delivering sufficient guidance to
their patients.
With digital information available at
the click of a mouse, patients must take
accountability over their wellness by
conducting research, learning their options,
and asking the right questions.
“Patient advocacy and awareness
are essential to taking control of your
health into your own hands,” said Borough
President Adams. “In today’s society,
where technological advances have
made health information readily available,
anyone navigating the healthcare
system should take note of the things
to ask your doctor to empower you to
make choices in your best interest.”
Here are some of the questions every
patient should ask when navigating
the health care system:
I do not speak English very well.
Are there interpreter services available?
yy Understanding your doctor is the
most fundamental component
of being an informed patient. In
a borough where 47 percent of
people speak a language other
than English at home, interpreter
services are vital to providing
health information to people who
do not speak English. Hospitals
and clinics are obligated by law
to provide free interpretation and
translation services to any limited
English-proficient individual seeking
services.
I read in a book that what I am
feeling can be multiple conditions.
What are your thoughts?
yy You should get to know your own
body. If something is not feeling
right, or you feel pain or discomfort,
communicate that with your
doctor. Don’t be shy about being
open with your doctor. Conduct
some research, whether by visiting
your local library or online, to
find out what your symptoms may
be, and discuss them with your
doctor.
What do these test results mean?
yy You should be open with your doctor
about asking what a blood test
result means, even the details
that may seem insignificant. The
results of the test may spotlight a
particular issue that needs further
attention, such as a high blood
glucose level or a concerning cholesterol
result. This knowledge can
empower you to make necessary
dietary changes or ask your doctor
for a particular medication or
alternative treatment options.
What are the different medications
available for my condition?
yy When your doctor suggests a medication
or treatment for your condition,
it is always advisable to ask
why that particular medication or
treatment is suggested and if there
are other options available. Some
medications cause unpleasant side
effects, while others may be completely
unnecessary.
How do I take this medication correctly
and are there side effects?
yy Your doctor may prescribe you a
medication and you may not understand
how to take it. You should
always ask your doctor about how
to take your medication. Some
treatments require a certain dosage
per day, while others can be
dangerous in large quantities.
There are medications that require
you to take them on an empty
stomach, while others require
food or plenty of water to be fully
digested.
Are there options available to get
better without medication?
yy Medication is not always the best
option. Always ask your doctor if it
is possible to implement a dietary
plan, change your sleeping habits,
or engage in a physical activity
that may improve your condition.
Lifestyle choices account for
70 percent of illness and disease
risk. Your options for getting better
might be much more related
to your day-to-day routine, than
genetic factors or chronic illness.
Should I get a second opinion and
are there any specialists available
for my condition?
yy Your doctor will not always have
all the answers readily available.
You should always communicate
with your doctor about speaking
with another medical professional,
particularly if your condition
requires specialized attention from
a field-specific professional such
as a cardiologist (arteries, heart,
and veins), dermatologist (skin), or
oncologist (cancers).
“As I was battling Type 2 diabetes, I
decided I had to learn more about my
condition so that I could get better on my
own terms,” said Borough President Adams.
“I read every article online and every
book I could find on this disease. The
information I gathered taught me how
to be a more informed patient by asking
the right questions from my doctors.
It also led me to completely revamp my
diet and control what I was putting into
my body. Don’t be afraid to ask those
tough questions, and always feel free
to get a second opinion from another
medical professional.”
BROOKLYN NEWS