By Vicki Rackner, M.D.

Your job as a patient is to make medical choices that work best for you. You make choices every day, but making decisions about your health feels different. You are likely scared and the stakes are high.

It may help you to know that there is no right choice. There is the choice that is best for you at this time in your life, and that choice might be different than the choice your best friend would make in the same situation. You are in the best position to make medical choices that work for you.

The formula for making medical choices is a process called “Informed Consent.” Get expert opinions, learn from your doctor’s experience, skill and judgment, and then weigh the risks against the benefits.

To help you make your own medical choices, please read the following brochure:

Making Medical Choices

Note: This brochure is in a format called Adobe PDF. When you click the above link, the brochure will open up in an application known as “Adobe Acrobat Reader.” If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please go to the Adobe Website to get a free copy of this application.

Inside the brochure, you’ll read about:

My Best Style –You have your own style for learning new information, developing skills, and making choices. This style will serve you well should you face a health challenge. There is no right or wrong; there is a way that works best for you.

Weighing Options –When doctors make decisions about your health, they use the terms “Benefits” and “Risks” to take stock of the pros and cons of any particular treatment. It is not about counting each column to see which has the most entries, but the weight you give to each entry. One risk might outweigh all the benefits, or vice versa. That is why this chart includes two thin columns where you can rate the risks and benefits from 1-10.

My Action Plan –Now that you have weighed the options, considered the risks and benefits, you are ready to design an action plan. You spell out where you want to go and how you know you’re getting there. Your action plan may include medication, a procedure, lifestyle changes, or identification of support.

Plotting My Progress –Whether your goal is lowering your blood pressure, losing weight or simply feeling rested and enjoying headache-free days, use this chart to plot your progress.

Healthy Habit Contract –Most of your behaviors are habit-driven. Change just one small habit, like taking a 10-minute walk every day, and you can change the quality of your days. Here’s a contract you can make with yourself, sign, and implement.