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Tips for receiving the most effective and efficient medical care:
1. Bring a list of all current medications and dosages to every doctor's appointment. Your doctor needs to know what medication you are taking in order to evaluate and treat any problems.
2. Bring all supplements to your doctor too. All over-the-counter medication and supplements have main effects and side effects, just as prescription medicines do. Some supplements may be causing symptoms or problems, and others may interact with prescription medication.
3. Be sure to refill each prescription before you are close to running out. (Your pharmacy may be out-of-stock when you need a refill.)
4. Keep an eye on the number of remaining refills for all prescription drugs, and be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor before your last refill has expired.
5. Generic drugs are not always equivalent to brand-name drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor whether you are taking a brand-name product or a generic substitute.
6. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage and your prescription plan before you visit your doctor, and bring a copy of your prescription plan's drug formulary with you to each doctor's appointment if you want your doctor to prescribe the most effective product that will be least expensive for you. If the best choice is not the least expensive one on your prescription plan, your doctor will be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of all options, so that you can select the best choice for you.
7. Select a pharmacy that offers a convenient location and convenient hours, so that you will be able to get all medication and refills in timely fashion. |
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Dr M. Shangold: Patient Tips
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