Finding Value in Your Care: Take Action Checklist

1. Am I getting the best care or even offered the best?  

• Is the care appropriate for my age? My condition?
• Am I being given more than one option, if at all possible, with the pros and cons explained to me?
• Is my provider willing to recommend me to a colleague for a second opinion if I feel that I need one?
• Does my healthcare provider care for me as an individual or do I feel lumped together with other patients?
  • Do I feel comfortable asking questions? 

2. Are the ordered scans and blood work helping me in my care or are they ordered “just because?”

• Does my provider explain the reasoning behind these orders (i.e. what information we’re looking for, how this will help progression of my care, etc.)?
• When the results come back:
  • Do I have access to them? If so, are they easy to find?
  • Are they explained to me in a way that makes sense?

3. Is insurance providing me coverage or am I consistently receiving denials/is my provider having to do a peer-to-peer? 

• Does my coverage make sense?
  • Are providers transparent about how much something may cost?
• Are terms explained?
• Can I easily receive access to a care representative?

4. Does my employer offer benefits that fit what I need? 

• Health insurance 
• Short-term and long-term disability 
• Options for FSA and/or HSA accounts 
• Employee assistance programs 

5. Are the medications that are prescribed working as intended? 

• Do I understand how to use them correctly? 
• Do I feel comfortable telling my doctor if I have any side effects and need to switch to something else? 
• Are they affordable or are there alternatives? 

6. Is a patient portal available and easily accessible? 

• Is it easy to find what I’m looking for? 
• What capabilities does the portal have?
  • Can I message my provider?
  • Can I view lab and imaging results?
  • Can I schedule appointments and see upcoming appointments?
  • Can I see visit summaries of previous appointments?