In the News

Valley Baptist Health Plan Encourages Enhanced Doctor-Patient Communication

Imagine you are at the doctor's office.  After your exam, your doctor says you have “diabetic neuropathy,” “hypertension” or “coronary disease."  Do you know what that means?

If your health care visits leave you with more questions than answers, you are not alone.  Nearly one out of every two adults in the U.S. has trouble understanding health information.  The ability to read, understand and act upon health information is called health literacy. Health literacy is not just about reading skills, and it can be a problem for anyone regardless of their education or economic level.

In Harlingen, Valley Baptist Health Plan has joined forces with the Partnership for Clear Health Communication to help improve the community’s health literacy skills through a new program called “Ask Me 3.”

“The Ask Me 3 program does not cost you anything and is easy to follow,” said Karen Pederson, President and CEO, Valley Baptist Health Plan. “Ask Me 3 is a simple set of questions that you should ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist at every visit.”

The three questions are:

• What is my main problem?
• What do I need to do?
• Why is it important for me to do this?

“Low health literacy stands in the way of our mission, which is to improve the health of the community we serve,” Ms. Pederson says. “Health literacy is vital to good patient care and positive health outcomes.”

Valley Baptist Health Plan plans to bring together provider, patient, and community groups to address health literacy at the grass roots level.

In the meantime, you can take steps to help you get the answers you need:

1. Don’t be shy—ask questions.

Make a list of questions to bring with you to your doctor so you do not forget to ask them. If you think of more questions after your visit, write them down. Call the doctor’s office when you return to your home or job to get answers to your questions.

2. Bring a family member or friend.

This person may be able to help you take notes and hear the provider’s instructions — in case you miss something.

3. Speak up.

Tell your health care provider if you do not understand the information he or she has given you. Ask him or her to repeat the instructions until you know what you need to do.

4. Repeat instructions.

After the health care provider gives you instructions, repeat them back to him or her. Make sure you’ve got them right.

5. Ask for more information.

If your provider says you have a health problem, ask for extra information—such as a hotline number or brochure. It may help you figure out what is happening to you and how to treat it. Work closely with your health care providers. They can advise you on ways to lead a healthy, active life. Try to understand all your medical information. This way you can be a more active partner in decisions about your health and your family’s health.

If you would like more information on the Ask Me 3 campaign, call Valley Baptist Health Plan at (956) 389-2273 or go to the Partnership for Clear Health Communication web site at www.AskMe3.org.