By Nicole Levison

According to a 2004 report issued by the Institute of Medicine, as many as 90 million American adults lack the reading and math skills needed to navigate the U.S. healthcare system.

The labyrinth of the healthcare system becomes thornier if one suffers a chronic illness, a serious disease, or a disability. And here’s another alarming statistic: fifty percent of bankruptcies in the United States are due to medical problems (Norton Bankruptcy Law Advisor 2000).

These figures beg the question: aside from plunking down a small fortune to carry top-notch insurance and hiring an expert to manage your healthcare and be your advocate, how does one maneuver with the most complex, daunting healthcare system in the world? While deciphering healthcare could demand full-time schooling, here are a few tips to aid in making sense of it all.

Choosing a Healthcare Plan

If you have a choice of plans, consider a health insurance carrier that:

• Provides the benefits and services you most require
• Has the physicians and hospitals you desire
• Champions preventative care

When you are selecting a doctor, ensure that he/she:

• Possesses the experience you require
• Accepts your insurance, unless you are prepared to pay out of pocket
• Takes action to prevent illness (such as screening tests)
• Works out of a hospital of your preference

Be Candid About Your Situation

Healthcare providers sometimes charge different rates to an insurance company versus what they charge an uninsured individual. Most providers are willing to set up a payment plan—they don’t want to see you crippled by bills. Also, if you communicate financial concerns, your doctor may choose to prescribe you a generic drug or skip a test that may be less important.

Additionally, speaking with your doctor honestly about medical history, personal feelings, and preferences can help him or her provide you with better care. Take time to log your history (surgeries, illnesses, allergies, medications, physicians) and bring that information with you when you are visiting a new practitioner. Although it may seem like overkill in the moment, write down everything—from a doctor’s advice to conversations with billing clerks to questions you want to pose to your practitioner.

Ask If Ye Wish to Receive

If there is anything you do not understand, ask questions! Do not assume a physician will remember to tell you everything—he or she is busy too. Always find out why a test, treatment, or medication is needed and how it will help.

If you don’t have money for a certain medicine, ask your doctor if they have samples available—the worst they can say is no. I have a friend that asks doctors, “Do you provide a ‘good guy discount?’ Not only do I find that most doctors’ laugh, but almost always the person will cut me a better deal.”

Remember that most doctors and nurses chose a medical profession because they care about helping people, and if they can provide charitable relief, they will. So don’t forget to thank them for all they do.

Research… and Then Research Some More

In addition to local resources, there are many consumer and ombudsman (which exist to aid in settling problems and finding coverage for hard to insure people) that can help guide you in making important decisions about your healthcare. Some online sources include:

• www.healthassistancepartnership.org
• www.medicareed.org
• www.chcs.org
• www.healthfinder.gov
• www.ahip.org
• www.webmd.com
• www.familiesusa.org

Patience will serve you well as you negotiate the healthcare system—perhaps that’s how the term “patient” was born?

But then again, since you’re a caregiver, you know all about patience.