Use specialists for special problems. Specialists are doctors with in-depth training and experience in a particular area of medicine. For example, a cardiologist has years of special training to deal with heart problems. A visit to a specialist often costs more than a visit to your family doctor, and the tests and treatment you receive may be more expensive. Of course, specialists often provide the information you need to decide what to do about a major health

When your primary doctor refers you to a specialist, a little preparation and good communication can help you get your money’s worth. Before you go see a specialist:

• Know the diagnosis or suspected diagnosis.

• Learn about your basic treatment options.

• Know what your family doctor would like the specialist to do (take over the case, confirm the diagnosis, conduct tests, etc.).

• Make sure that any test results or records on your case are sent to the specialist.

s Ask your regular doctor to remain involved in your case. Ask the specialist to send new test results or recommendations to both you and your regular doctor.
7. Use emergency services wisely.

In life-threatening situations, modern emergency services are worth their weight in gold. However, emergency rooms charge two to three times more for routine services than a doctor’s office. Also, your records are not available, so emergency room doctors have no information on your medical
history.

Hospital emergency rooms are set up to handle trauma and life-threatening cases. They are not set up to care for routine illnesses, and they do not work on a first-come, first-served basis. During busy times, people with minor illnesses may wait for hours. Use good judgment in deciding when to use emergency medical services. Whenever you feel you can apply home treatment safely and wait to see your regular doctor, do so. However, if you feel that it is an emergency situation, by all means go to the emergency department.

Prepare for the emergency room:

•  Call ahead, if possible, to let them know you are coming.
•  Call your doctor, if possible. He or she may meet you at the ER or call in important information.
•  If there is time, take this book and your medical records with you:
•  Use page 1, the Healthwise Approach, to help you think through the problem and report symptoms to the doctor.
•  Use page 2, the Ask-the-DoctorChecklist, to organize questions for the doctor.
•  See page 8 to review the medical test checklist.
•  Use your home medical records to discuss your medications, past test results, or treatments. Information about your allergies, medications, and conditions may be critical.

•  As soon as you arrive, tell the emergency room staff why you think it is an emergency.

8 Use hospitals only when you need them. Over half of all health care costs are for hospitalizations. A stay in a modern hospital costs far more than a vacation at most luxury resorts. (And hospitals are a lot less fun.)

If you do need in-patient care, get in and out of the hospital as quickly as possible. This will reduce costs and your risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Don’t check in just for tests. Hospitalization is no longer needed for most medical tests. Ask if the tests can be done on an out-patient basis. If you agree to control your diet and activities, the doctor will usually support your request.

Try to avoid additional days in the hospital by bringing in extra help at home. Ask about home nursing services to help while you recover. With help available, many patients can shorten a hospital stay.

Hospitals are not the only choice for people with a terminal illness. Many people choose to spend their remaining time at home with people they know and love. Special arrangements for the needed care can be made through hospice care programs in most communities. Try “Hospice” in the Yellow Pages or ask your doctor.

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