Real Life Lessons this Past Week
1.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Get an annual physical exam (APE). Ā If you have an HMO, all the more reason you should take advantage of getting one. Ā Add hba1c to check your sugar. Ā If you can, test to know your blood type. Ā
Ā In my last APE, I noticed my TSH was out of range and consulted an Endocrinologist who diagnosed me with Hyperthyroidism after a series of other laboratory tests.
Ā Mama did not have a regular APE and it was only by chance we caught her creatinine was off the charts. Ā It was a required test prior to getting an MRI with contrast. Ā If we didnāt take that test, we would not have known that her kidneyās were not functioning well.
Ā Many do not do it for fear of finding out they are sick. Ā But cāmon, if you are and its detected early, thereās a high probability of getting treated before it gets worse. Ā Donāt be paralyzed by fear of the unknown.
Ā 2.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Maintain organized copies of your and your familyās medical records. Ā The past year, Iāve been keeping tabs of our test results and prescriptions, filing them neatly in a plastic file envelop. Ā I also keep digital copies of lab results organized in google drive with access to identified family members. Ā Thereās no point in keeping your medical records if only you can access it.
Ā Believe me, having these handy with you at the hospital will help you answer a deluge of questions from nurses and doctors. Ā They will ask you about your medical history including medicines (western & eastern) you took. Ā This is really the only PAST you canāt move on from.
Ā Unfortunately, I donāt have a lot of details of mamaās previous medical procedures, laboratory tests, diagnosis, etc. Ā I have vague recollection but when they ask you at the hospital, you need to provide specifics. Ā This is why I am telling you this is important, learn from my mistake.
Ā 3.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā If you do not have an HMO, then prepare to shell out from your own pockets. Ā It is important to understand the limitations of your HMO so you are better prepared when it comes to paying the hospital bill. There is an age limit for coverage under an HMO. Ā There are HMOās available to seniors but they are more expensive and the coverage is very limited.
Ā I learned years ago that hospitalization, without an HMO, can be a big financial burden. Ā You need to SAVE. Ā Personally, I practice saving 20% of my gross income monthly, without fail for many years now. Ā It was quite difficult at first but you will get to adjust to your reduced disposable income.
Ā 4.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Make sure you have copies of your familyās identification cards ā SSS, TIN, Passport, Senior Citizenās, Driverās License, etc. Ā Having all of these saves you a lot of trouble in filling up forms. Ā And yes, know your familyās birth dates (including the year) by heart.
Ā 5.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Probably will not apply to everyone but sharing nonetheless because it has worked well for me in various medical situations. Ā Having a good credit history will help you get a credit card with a decent credit limit. Ā Remember that there are limits how much money you can withdraw from the ATM and during this time of pandemic, Iām sure many would want to stay away from the banks. Ā Banks are closed also during the weekend so unless you have stashes of cash lying around at home, then using a credit card is your next option if you need to pay a deposit or will be checking out during the weekend.
Ā If a patient will be transferred to the ICU, you can probably stay as a guest in your current room but this is not always the case since the hospital prioritizes patients. Check also what is the rate for staying as a guest as I was told it can be double the room rate. Ā Some hospitals have accommodations for this purpose but you need to check if thereās an available bed or get yourself on the wait list.
