12 Tips to Prevent Misdiagnosis; Increase Understanding for Best Health Outcomes

 Martine, thank YOU for this wonderful contribution! 

I completely concur and agree with all you say, above.  I've posted the Lumigrate You Model here to remind everyone of the concept that Lumigrate was founded upon, based on my experiences working as an occupational therapist since the mid 1990s and helping them embrace 'the occupation of health care' (anything that occupies time is an occupation, 'vocation' is how one makes their money/living).  I had complex health issues develop around that time as well and, despite being an 'insider' related to knowledge about the medical industry, I ended up struggling for many years before finding solutions which had to do with functional medicine (finding and solving underlying reasons) through an integrative approach.  

The Lumigrate logo's ribbons are representative of the weaving of 'integration' or "bringing together".  Your tips and lists above completely reflect this type of thinking and naturally are very synergistic.  So again, THANK YOU, and I hope every one of our customers / users finds this piece AND tells others about it/prints it/shares the link, etc.  

Related to your closing comment, not only does it make people FEEL more confident, they will come across to the provider as someone worth investing as much as possible with.  Since I am also on the side of the medical providers and engaged in equal interactions with providers and consumers, their frustrations are VERY similar to that of the consumers: not enough time with the patient, being inundated with information and trying to find the information they're needing for the patients they're dealing with that day/week, etc.  And they also feel discouraged when they give good advise to patients and the patient isn't REALLY invested in their health. The classic example is of the diabetic who doesn't revise their lifestyle.  So when a medical consumer presents with this type of approach, it equalizes the relationship, essentially.  The professional appreciates the serious approach that the consumer/patient is taking. I teach these concepts within my sessions with clients/patients and have given notebooks and starter kits to them as an opening 'gift'; that also gets the attention of the consumer/patient that this isn't going to be like most providers where it's all 'you give to me/I'll take your money/insurance benefits and information and you don't get anything'.  And I'd give them notes from our visits to get them in the habit of expecting documentation of their visits.  

WONDERFUL, thank you again. In addition to all the consumers who will embrace and implement this, I am excited to think of all the OTs around the country who might start including this in their sessions (and other providers as appropriate)! ~~ Mardy

 You know, a person could print this out and roll it into a scroll and put a little ribbon on it and present it as a nice gift to someone they might want to offer their TIME and ENERGY as a benefit of their friendship or family.  Just a thought, particularly for those who are needing to be thrifty with money.  But in reality, people with a lot of money can buy things but the gift of TIME is often the BEST someone can give them! ~~ Mardy

Mardy, thank you so much for allowing me to contribute to Lumigrate. It’s such a great website and has a wealth of great information for people. The more you know, the more empowered you feel. That’s the goal—for patients to feel empowered and informed.

I couldn’t agree more with what you wrote about the value of patients showing to their doctors that they are invested in their health and medical care. Many doctors I interviewed said that if patients are invested, they’ll be more invested too. That is what patients what—investment and engagement from their physicians and other medical professionals.

I like your scroll idea for a holiday gift. How about including a small notebook? A notebook is an essential tool for patients when meeting with their physicians. To make the most of the office visit, patients can create a list of questions ahead of time and write down the answers in their notebook. No one can remember everything a doctor has said in an office visit and taking notes makes it much easier to refer to later and discuss with loved ones. Besides, it’s handy to note symptoms and any research a patient has done on their medical treatment.

This information is SO IMPORTANT!  Thank you, Martine! 

Having had an ER visit for my son who had had two major seizures just last week, I was so grateful that I was prepared with most of your suggestions.  Most important was having the information readily available.  Preparing ahead of time is crucial.  We were able to print out our son's basic medical history in a moment and also have a HealthFile app on a handheld.   But what if the power was off, or the batteries down in our handheld?   Having a hard copy, like in a notebook, is a fantastic idea for most people.  It can be kept in a purse or otherwise convenient location. 

We all must be advocates for our own care and the care of our loved ones.  You may very well have saved the life, or at least improved the quality of life, with your post.

Again,

Thank you!

Robin