KindlyMD is known throughout Utah for providing comprehensive care. Practically speaking, that means we do more than just treat symptoms. We take a more holistic approach that focuses on the whole person rather than just a single medical condition.
We believe that comprehensive care is the best way to treat patients. We suspect most of our patients agree. Having said that, patients play a pivotal role in making sure they are getting the care they deserve. As active participants, they become part of the care team.
Here are some practical things you can do to ensure that you are getting the most from comprehensive care:
A comprehensive care setting is typified by a healthcare team rather than a single doctor or nurse practitioner. Teams work together to ensure a patient's wellbeing. As the patient, you can help your team tremendously by always being open and honest with them.
There is no shame in comprehensive care. There are no stigmas to overcome. There is only you, how you feel, and what we might be able to do to help you feel better. By being honest and open, you can help us better understand how you are doing. That helps us do our jobs more effectively.
You have questions about your health. Everybody does. Never let those questions go unanswered. Every member of your healthcare team is a fountain of information just waiting to be accessed. But they can only answer your questions if they know what those questions are.
Feel free to ask anything. If we cannot provide a concrete answer on the spot, we will find the answer and get back to you. In addition, write down questions that pop into your mind between visits. Writing them down ensures you will not forget to ask during your next appointment.
As much as we healthcare providers may not like to admit it, we do not know everything. When a patient comes to us with a condition we haven’t treated before, there’s a good chance we’ll need to do some additional research before recommending treatment options. We encourage you to do your own research as well. There might be information out there that we are not aware of yet. Feel free to educate us.
Of course, there is a caveat here: not every research source can be trusted. Be very careful about where and how you do your research. If you are researching online, be especially careful. Remember this: just because you read something online doesn't mean it's true.
Nothing helps your healthcare team understand your health more than detailed records. We recommend keeping a daily journal. Record how you feel, the medications you have taken, whether you have noticed any improvements, and so on. Information equals power – both to you and your healthcare team. We can make our best healthcare recommendations when we have lots of information to work with.
If you are taking plant-based medications by way of a Utah Med Card, it is important that you keep records about your medication. Track yourself by writing down what you take, when you take it, the dosage, and how it made you feel. That information is vital to help you get the most out of your medications.
We are firmly committed to comprehensive care. If it is something you are interested in but not getting from your current provider, perhaps it's time for a change. And if you are receiving comprehensive care already, be sure to do the things discussed in this post. They represent your best strategy for getting the most out of the care you receive.
