The best thing anyone can do for their health is to stay engaged in their healthcare. Be an active member of your care team by regularly visiting your healthcare provider, undergoing routine surveillance when needed, making the most of your appointments by asking questions and learning more about your health.

When possible, provide your doctor a detailed family health history to determine your own risks for liver disease. There are genetic or hereditary liver diseases that can run in families. Sometimes our genes put us at a greater risk for developing lifestyle related liver disease like Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (newly renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD) and Alcohol Related Liver Disease. Your family members’ medical histories can be a useful piece of the puzzle when working with your doctor to resolve your own health concerns.

Being honest with our healthcare provider about your lifestyle is another important factor in determining risk for liver disease. Because your liver processes everything you eat, drink, breath, or absorb through our skin, it can be impacted by many different factors. It’s important to keep an updated list of the medications you take, even if it’s something you buy without a prescription at a store (diet supplements, vitamins, pain relievers, allergy medications, etc.). Be sure your doctor knows how often you take each type of medication and review medications that may have been prescribed by another healthcare provider. It is best to ask your healthcare provider before you begin taking any medications to be sure you are making the best choice for your health. Many medications can cause damage to the liver. Being open with your healthcare provider about your diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits is very important! Your doctor can provide you the best care when they are aware of all the factors contributing to your health.

Here are 10 essential steps to help you actively participate in your medical care and work as a partner with your healthcare team. Take charge of your health journey today!

Think of your healthcare providers as your partners in managing your healthcare.
Be prepared for your medical appointments and don’t be afraid to be assertive.

PRO TIP:

Bring a list of questions with you to each appointment.
If your healthcare provider uses words you do not understand, ask them to explain so you do understand.

Create a medical journal and take notes during each visit so you can review everything your healthcare provider discussed.
If possible, bring a caregiver, family member, or friend with you to medical appointments, for support and assistance. You may ask them to help you take notes as two sets of eyes and ears are better than one.
Be your own advocate in all healthcare settings (clinic, hospital) and with your insurance company.
Print your lab reports and keep them in a binder or save them to a file on your computer.

PRO TIP:

Watch for trends or changes in your lab results and discuss them with your healthcare providers.

If you wish to seek a second opinion, that is your right as a patient. Do not be shy about pursuing second opinions.
Remember that all online resources, even those that are medically reviewed, are for general information purposes only and do not replace the information given to you by your healthcare providers about your specific situation.
Doing your own research about diseases and treatments can be helpful but remember that not all information on the internet is medically reviewed. Only use reliable sources such as the American Liver Foundation when researching online.
Protect yourself and always wear a mask to medical appointments, even if the medical facility does not require it.

Click here to print a copy to take with you to doctor's appointments.

Last updated on September 20th, 2024 at 05:17 pm

What to Ask Your Doctor