Empowered health consumers know how to take charge of their health and are proactive in their care.  Whether reviewing the medical pricing tools in the Healthy Lifestyles Cooperative website, surfing the web for health information, visiting a health care professional, or as a patient in the hospital, empowered health consumers know how to question and communicate!

3 Tips to Becoming An Empowered Healthcare Consumer

• Ask tough questions when it comes to the web and on-air health reports. Don’t believe everything you read or hear without questioning it.  Listen to a health report with ears wide open and don’t be afraid to question it.
• Ask a lot of questions. Don’t sit quietly in the doctor’s office or hospital. Before your appointment write down any questions you may have.  Ask questions about your diagnosis, medications, tests, and follow-ups.  Be in charge and know what’s going on.  Request a copy of your test results.
• Know your medications and keep a personal medical history form with you. Provide your child’s care-giver with a consent-to-treat form.