Click here to check out the brand new
 |
Free
health care checklists |
 Lists of checklists
Using the checklists
The Checklist Book
Search checklists.com
About us
Contact us
Home
checklists.com provides easy-to-use checklists to help you take care of things so you can relax, enjoy life, live better and longer, be safe and successful, and, help save the earth. Most checklists contain great links to other useful sites. User comments: "I just love this site!" "so comprehensive that it could be used by anyone in many circumstances" "love your checklists" "very useful and interesting" "I really enjoyed your site" ________________________ |
To view checklists:
Scroll down this page, or, click on a topic below or at the bottom of this page
Doctors Drugs Eyeglasses Hospitals Mammograms Medications Surgery DOCTORS Also see: HOSPITALS, ILLNESSES, INJURIES, MEDICATIONS, SURGERY; specific ailments, injuries, parts of the body FINDING A DOCTOR: _____ Decide what you're looking for in a doctor, e.g., emphasis on non-medication treatment/therapy when feasible _____ Check with the American Medical Association for recommendations _____ Check "The Best Doctors in America" books _____ Seek referrals from other doctors For any doctors you're considering using: _____ Check the doctor's credentials with the state medical board _____ Ensure the doctor: - Is qualified in the area(s) you need care, e.g., call the American Board of Medical Specialties (800 776-2378) to ensure the doctor is certified to practice in the specialty you need treatment in - disciplinary data not available - Is licensed in your state - Completed his/her residency at a reputable institution - Is Board certified - approx. 75% of doctors are board certified - Has no significant disciplinary action taken against him/her, e.g., call 888 ASK-MEDI for any disciplinary information on the doctor - $15 fee _____ Ensure: - You'll have adequate access to the doctor and the staff, in person and on phone - The doctor's office runs smoothly - The doctor encourages two-way communication through his/her demeanor - You and the doctor have mutual respect which leads to trust If you're looking for a doctor for your child: _____ Try to find a doctor who is good with children VISITING A DOCTOR: Before: _____ Write down items to discuss with the doctor, e.g.: - Ailments and symptoms you've experienced recently - Questions to ask of, and concerns to mention to, your doctor - Your treatment to date e.g., medications _____ Be prepared to give a urine sample (e.g., don't urinate before going to the doctor's office, do drink lots of fluids) If you're taking a child to see the doctor: _____ Announce the visit no more than 2-3 days before the visit so the child won't worry excessively about the visit _____ Prepare them beforehand for everything you expect to happen, including the possibility of getting a shot (don't let there be surprises) - it'll damage their trust in you, doctors and nurses Take: _____ Health insurance card and/or insurance information _____ List of all medications you're taking and/or the actual medications _____ Medical/health records _____ Check, credit card or cash to pay bill During visit: _____ Ask lots of questions, e.g.: - What tests were run - Were results of tests in the high or low range - Treatment options - Clarification of doctor's comments, advice and recommended treatment _____ Be aware that the following are commonly-overlooked diseases: - Pulmonary emboli - Heart disease (heart attack) - Tumors - Infections - Tick-borne diseases _____ Let your child sit on your lap when feasible, especially for shots, etc. If the doctor recommends/prescribes a course of action you're unsure of: _____ Get a second (and perhaps third) opinion from another doctor After: _____ Ask the doctor if you're contagious _____ Reward child for being brave Regularly: _____ Schedule a health check-up at least yearly Back to Top EYEGLASSES IF YOU THINK YOU NEED EYEGLASSES: _____ See an ophthalmologist to determine whether you need eyeglasses and to get a prescription _____ Ask an optician which frames are compatible with your prescription _____ Get lenses which provide UV protection (from ultraviolet rays) _____ Don't feel pressured to get scratch-proof or tinted lenses unless you really want them AFTER GETTING EYEGLASSES: If the glasses don't seem to be working for you: _____ Take the glasses back to the store you got them from If you're still not satisfied: _____ Take the glasses and the prescription to a different store and ask them to check the glasses - most stores will check them for free If you're still not satisfied: _____ Take the glasses back to your doctor REGULARLY: _____ Have the eyeglasses checked and adjusted For more info on buying glasses and a free face shape guide: framesdirect.com Back to Top HOSPITALS Also see: DOCTORS, ILLNESSES, INJURIES, MEDICATIONS, SURGERY; specific ailments, injuries, parts of the body - some believe that health care kills more people than everything except cancer and heart disease - 80,000 to 150,000 people died in 1996 in the U.S. from infections they caught in a hospital ASAP: _____ Check out hospital emergency rooms before an emergency happens to your family: - How accessible? - Long lines? ASAP and if you need to use a hospital: _____ Check out hospitals: - Determine if the state has a report (e.g. "hospital effectiveness report") which compares facilities by procedures for things such as death rate, complication rate, cost - Ask for the following information from the hospital (- if the hospital provides all of the information, it's probably a good place to use): - What's their infection rate? - What's their morbidity rate? _____ Call the joint commission on hospital accreditation and ask if the hospital you're considering has any infection control problems _____ Ask hospital personnel if they use special ointments on sterile sites to help control spread of infections _____ Be aware that major teaching hospitals might result in a better recovery and a shorter stay When being treated at a hospital or doctor's office: _____ Don't use cell phone near the hospital - can affect equipment _____ Ask lots of questions (the patient who asks the most questions usually gets the best care) _____ Communicate extensively with your doctor _____ Never have surgery performed on you by anyone you haven't talked to at great length _____ Ask for another doctor if you're not comfortable with your current doctor, even if you're already in the hospital _____ Have someone with you _____ Use available personnel in hospital e.g. patient advocates, patient representatives _____ Know what medications you, or your family member, are supposed to get and what dose - so you can tell nurse if nurse tries to give you wrong medication or too much of a medication Before a hospital worker touches you, your medicine or your IV: _____ Ensure they wash their hands where you can see them Back to Top MAMMOGRAMS Also see: DISEASES Before getting a mammogram: ___ Ensure the facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology and/or that the facility specializes in mammograms If you have breast implants: ___ Ensure the operator has adequate experience conducting mammograms on breasts with implants After getting a mammogram: ___ Ask your doctor, technician, etc. to double check your results ___ Ask to see your mammogram(s) and associated records ___ Get a complete physical including breast exam Back to Top MEDICATIONS - Approx. 4 of every 1000 prescriptions are wrong (e.g., wrong dose, allergic reactions, wrong therapy) ____ Never self-medicate ____ Don't take more than one medication at a time before discussing with your doctor ____ Throw out leftover anti-biotics (misuse of antibiotics leads to their ineffectiveness) Before doctor prescribes medication, especially an antibiotic or heart medication: ____ Ensure doctor knows what medications you're currently taking ____ Ensure doctor knows your drug allergy history ____ Ask about any changes in the medication's name or dosage If you have reduced kidney or liver function: ____ Ensure your medication is reduced or changed as appropriate If your doctor prescribes medication: _____ Ask the doctor and/or pharmacist for following (in writing, if feasible): - Name of the medication - What the medication is supposed to do - Dosage - How and when the medication should be taken - How long you should take the medication - Medicines (e.g., over-the-counter), food, drinks, etc. which shouldn't be taken in combination with the medication - Activities which should be avoided while taking the medication - Possible side effects - What to do if you miss a dose ____ Try to use one pharmacy for all of your prescriptions - so they will be more likely to catch potentially dangerous drug interactions and/or inappropriate prescriptions CHILDREN: If you administer over-the-counter medication: ____ Don't give aspirin to children - can cause Reye's disease ____ Don't give ibuprofen to children 6 months or younger ____ Follow recommended dosage by weight (preferred) or age on container ____ Don't continue medication too long If any of the following: - Child is 3 months or younger - Child continues to experience discomfort - Child is lethargic - Child has high fever ____ Seek medical attention Back to Top SURGERY Also see: DOCTORS, HOSPITALS; specific ailments, injuries, parts of the body Before: _____ Ask your primary care (e.g., regular) doctor to recommend a specialist _____ Get referrals from family, friends and/or associates _____ Be aware that operating rooms in hospitals are almost always required to meet more stringent requirements than those in doctors' offices _____ Try to find a doctor who is affiliated with a hospital even if the surgery would take place in the doctor's office _____ Check the experience of the surgeon(s) and hospital with your type of surgery _____ Check the morbidity rate of the surgeon(s) and hospital _____ Learn about the potential risks and benefits - so you can ask good questions _____ Be aware that even elective surgery can be risky, especially if it requires general anesthesia _____ Determine whether the primary surgeon will be present for the entire operation _____ Determine whether unlicensed surgical assistants will be performing any portions of the surgery _____ Consider giving and storing some of your blood for possible use during your surgery - to avoid the risk of receiving contaminated blood _____ Ask about receiving protective antibiotics before surgery to help prevent an infection _____ Ask your doctor about taking painkillers before the surgery - may result in less pain after surgery _____ If appropriate and feasible, request that a hologram be developed of the area to be operated on (using CAT scan/MRI data) for the surgical team to review before operating _____ Ask where incisions will be made _____ Ask what restrictions you could experience in your activities after surgery - to determine what kind of assistance you might require and to help decide if and when to have the surgery _____ Research your type of surgery (e.g., on the Internet) _____ Ask how you should prepare for the surgery, e.g.: - What to eat and what not to eat - What to bring to the hospital/office _____ Ask to keep any body parts removed during surgery _____ If you are used to having one or more caffeine drinks a day, ask about having some caffeine injected into your blood during surgery - to help prevent having a caffeine withdrawal headache right after surgery _____ Ask if you can listen to an hypnosis tape during surgery Right before: _____ Start listening to an hypnosis tape After: _____ Continue listening to an hypnosis tape COSMETIC SURGERY: Before: _____ Avoid, or delay, deciding to have it if you're going through a personal crisis (especially in a relationship) _____ Determine how your life will be impacted during recovery from surgery including: - Ability to wear contacts - Ability to eat - Recovery treatment required e.g., bandages, ice packs _____ Consider numerous small procedures vice a few comprehensive procedures _____ Consider laser surgery/resurfacing (see Laser Surgery) _____ Contact the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons for the names of board-certified surgeons in your area and request the names of some of their patients for you to contact LASER SURGERY: Before: _____ Be aware of potential risks: - Skin may stay red for up to 8 months after treatment - Permanent skin discoloration or darkening - Permanent scarring _____ Have a simple pre-surgical test done to determine if you have a tendency to form keyloids _____ Ensure the doctor performing the surgery is well-trained in the procedure, especially in how to protect your eyes, etc. _____ Ensure the doctor has taken a course approved by the American Society of Laser Surgery and Medicine - in most areas, licensed M.D.'s are not required to have specialized training and there are no guidelines for such training Back to Top
To view other checklists:
Click on a topic, category or letter below
HEALTH CATEGORIES: Allergies Alzheimer's Babies Breast cancer Cancer Cervical cancer Colds Dentist Depression Dieting Doctors Drugs Eyeglasses Headaches Hospitals Illnesses Mammograms Medications Nutrition Pregnancy Prostate Skin Stress Surgery Teeth General categories of checklists available on checklists.com: BABIES CHILDREN COMPUTERS DISEASES DRIVING EARTH (SAVING) EXERCISE FAMILY FOOD FUN HEALTH HEALTH CARE HOME HOME IMPROVEMENT HOME LIFE HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR HOUSE - BUYING HOUSE - SELLING ILLNESSES MONEY PARENTS PETS PLANNING EVENTS PREGNANCY RELATIONSHIPS SHOPPING SPORTS SYMPTOMS TEETH TRAVEL MISCELLANEOUS Checklists listed alphabetically: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N P R S T V W Z If you don't see a topic you're looking for, click here Webmasters/publishers: You may use checklists from this site if you clearly indicate checklists.com as the source at the beginning of each checklist used. To provide a valuable service to your customers, put a link to checklists.com on your site. Businesses: To advertise on checklists.com or to have a link to your site listed in one of the checklists, send an e-mail to Email Us Disclaimer: These checklists are designed to make you aware of, and to remind you of, options you may have available to you. They are provided with the understanding that the webmaster is not engaged in rendering legal, medical or financial advice. Send your family and friends an e-mail about checklists.com
Visit checklists.com often - it's being expanded ALL THE TIME
Bookmark checklists.com, usually by pressing the COMMAND and "D" keys
|
Checklists.com