Continuity of Care Communication

Continuity of care is disrupted often due to lack of communication and follow-up.  One of the main reasons this is more prevalent now can be attributed to the constant changes that affect physicians and other healthcare providers like health insurance instability.  Due to this fact many health providers you may have had yesterday are outside of your insurance network today, or your new health insurance may have failed to include the doctor you and your family have had for most of your life. The following suggestions will help you keep your health care communication continuous with less stress:

• call your doctor's office, testing center prior to appointment to be sure all is on time as scheduled
• reschedule appointments that are over an hour late especially if it jeopardizes your health conditions (e.g. persons with diabetes, hypertension, arthritis)
• read often on your medical conditions
• use e-mail, text messaging fax, postal mail if unable to reach your doctor by phone
• get copies of your medical records and reports from all doctors you see
• contact your doctors for your test results, specialists reports if you fail to get contacted within 1 week
• tell your doctor what other doctors have told you as these reports may arrive after your visit
• use your electronic health record to facilitate all of the above and to communicate with your health care providers

Communication is essential for complete continuity of healthcare.  Best health!