Greetings good people. So, before I get rolling on this post I need to basically disclaim the hell out of it. First, this applies to no specific hospital and is not intended to do so. Secondly, this is primarily limited to personal knowledge and experiential anecdote. Thirdly, since I have had the good fortune to be relatively healthy and not have seek care out of state, by knowledge is based in the Northeastern United States. Last and final disclaimer--"this information is not intended to treat, diagnose or resolve any medical issue." Please note that these items are in no particular order. That being said, let's get it:
1. DO NOT LIE ABOUT YOUR WEIGHT. Many medications, especially those for pain are dosed by weight. That ten pounds you knock off could make a difference.
2. There is a difference between "treatment" and "care". While the public may use these interchangeably they are different. While they may date they are two different animals. "Treatment" has to do what tools are at the disposal of the physician, nurse or other medical team member to resolve, fix or stabilize your condition. "Care" has to do with the administration of the previously mentioned "treatment." You are entitled to "stabilizing treatment" in the state of New York without regard to whether or not you are insured.
3. Know these key terms associated with an emergency visit or hospitalization. "BIBEMS"- is BROUGHT IN BY EMS. NPO IS LATIN FOR NIL PER OS. (literally, nothing by mouth) THAT MEANS YOU CAN'T EAT ANYTHING. Also understand that two, three, and four times a day is different than every twelve, every eight and every six hours.
4. Insist that all staff identify themselves by name and department or service. While there might be 11 doctors named "Lisa". There are not 11 "Lisa's" on the Endocrine service. This is to help you keep track of your care and to clearly identify if you get conflicting messages. For example, one person can say you can eat while the surgeon will not hear of it. This leads into number 4 quite nicely...
5. Don't assume that the doctors are talking to each other at the very beginning. While you may see four different doctors, if they are responsible for different things they may not necessarily sit down until AFTER your treatment starts or when your aftercare starts. Also, note that your
6. Under no circumstances, where ever possible, should you go to the emergency room alone. Sometimes a visit to the E.R. may require advocacy. You may need someone else to inform the nurse that you are feeling worse than when you arrived. How well or poorly you are doing can change where you are in the treatment queue.
7. Doctors travel in packs. This is to a patient's benefit. this way you will only be disturbed, mangled or annoyed once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Generally, when doctors come to your bedside very early it is because they are handing you over to the next shift.
8. Unless you are a patient, do not use the bathroom in the Emergency Room. I am going to just ask that you trust and believe me on this without additional elaboration.
9. They are not ignoring your pain. Hospitals in New York must assess your pain when you present for triage. If they medicate your pain immediately, they may be unable to tell whether or not you are worsening in symptoms. Where you have pain, what type of pain it is (radiating, stabbing, dull) and how severe are often good indicators of what is wrong with you. They can't deaden your pain without knowing for sure what is causing it.
10. Do not avoiding seeking medical attention because you have no money or are not a citizen. All hospitals have sliding scale payment plans and city hospitals have special programs for uninsured persons. In most cases, if your require admittance the hospital fills out the paperwork for you because they want to get paid.
While this is by no means a be all and end all list for consumers and readers it is a solid start. Post any additional comments or concerns you may have in the comments section or feel free to inbox me.
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