Rather than taking a passive role in your or a loved-ones recovery, here are some tips for becoming a more proactive patient. These lists have been compiled from two sources: the Imaginis website and an article in USA Today by Kim Painter about the website and book “The Best Doctors In America” produced by Gregory White Smith and Steven Naifeh. To view the complete list on becoming a Proactive Patient, please go to the Imaginis website By Clicking Here. For further information on “The Best Doctors in America”, please Click here.

1. Take control of your illness and recovery
2. Find a good doctor and medical facility. Do a background check on the doctor and/or facility from the American Medical Association by clicking here .
3. Ask your doctor for a recommendation for a 2nd opinion
4. Get a recommendation from a friend, family member, neighbor, or
healthcare professional
5. Question the doctor’s office for patient load, waiting time and insurance
concerns
6. Recognize that all medical decisions are tradeoffs. There are no right
answers, only different costs and benefits.
7. Find an advocate. If you don’t have the energy or skills to research your
illness, find a doctor or a friend, family member or professional to do it
for you.
8. Be prepared to ask questions. Write your questions down before you
see the doctor.
9. Sustain a claim to life. A will to live, optimism, a fighting spirit – whatever
you call it – is important but must be accommpanied by action: join a
support group, make plans, set goals.
10. Research health issues online and through non-profits & government
agencies
11. ASK questions, questions and more questions!