Dr. LeNoir's Health Tips
It is our belief that while good health begins with diet and exercise, once you enter the health care system, you must be organized to get the most out of it. This guide was developed to assist the African American community and other communities to better utilize the health care system. The most informed consumer gets the best care. That’s true when you are shopping for food and other necessities and it’s true for health care. This guide is intended to assist you in taking control of your physician visits.
When Calling Your Doctor
At some point, you will probably need to call your doctor. Get the answers to these basic questions before that time comes:
- What are your doctor’s office hours? Does the doctor work in more than one office?
- What is the best time to call?
- What is the doctor’s policy for returning calls?
- Who should you speak with if the doctor isn’t available?
- What is the phone number for emergency calls or after-hours calls?
When You Reach Your Doctor On The Phone
- Tell your symptoms and problems. Write them down and keep the list by the phone so you don’t have to remember them. (Have someone else call the doctor for you if you are unable to do it yourself).
- Report results of home tests or symptoms that you have been keeping track of, such as a temperature of 101 degrees for more than a day.
- Ask the doctor what to do. Be sure to write it down.
- Have your pharmacist’s phone number handy in case the doctor needs to prescrie any medications.
- Ask the doctor if you should call back or come into the office.
- Ask the doctor when you should go to the emergency room. Write down the symptoms to watch for.