appointment checklist get the facts RESOURCES
AND Take control of your health.
TAKE THE REINS.
Whether you’re going for your annual check-up or seeing a specialist, make the most of every visit by taking an active role in your care. Why? Because nobody – not even your doctor – knows more about you than you.
Becoming your own health advocate is easier than you think. It just takes a little know-how.
Here are a few things you can do before, during
and after a doctor’s appointment.
To connect, call 800.685.1060 or visit myCigna.com.
Health coaches
As your own self-advocate, consider what’s most important to you and your health. Then, take action to turn those goals into reality. The good news is, you have resources that can help. Here are just a few:
THINK ABOUT YOUR HEALTH GOALS
TAKE THE SURVEY
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Kindly take a moment to answer a few survey questions. We’d like to know if the information presented here has been valuable to you.
* Krist, AH, Tong, ST, Aycock, RA, and Longo, DR. "Engaging patients in decision-making and behavior change to promote prevention." Stud Health Technol Inform. 2017; 240: 284–302. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6996004/
** Not all preventive care services are covered. For example, immunizations for travel are generally not covered. See your plan materials for a complete list of covered preventive care services.
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Before your appointment: PLAN AHEAD
Gather your health history – Jot down any medical or mental health conditions that run in your family. Get a copy of your medical records, including recent test results.
Make a list – Write down all your current medications and supplements, the dosage of each, and how often you take them.
Do a little digging – Research any symptoms you may be having using credible, trusted sources. This way, you’ll arrive as well informed as possible.
During your appointment: BE PROACTIVE
Ask questions – If you are getting medical tests, make sure you know what they are for. And if your doctor tells you something you don’t understand, ask them to rephrase or repeat it until you do.
Take notes – Or have someone come with you to take notes while you listen. Ask for printed materials about your diagnosis, treatment or medications to review at home.
Share how you feel physically and emotionally – This can help your doctor figure out the best treatments for you.
After your appointment: FOLLOW THROUGH
Check on your test results – Many doctors only let you know if test results are not normal or need follow-up and may not inform you if things are okay. You have a right to know either way.
Let the doctor know if something isn’t right – If you are unable to take your medications for any reason or if you’re having side effects, even if they seem minor, call your doctor right away.
Take the time to decide what’s best for you – Do your own research, get second opinions and keep your own best interests in mind.
get the facts
FACT:
myth:
I don’t have the skills to take my health into my own hands.
I’ll insult my doctor if I go for a second opinion.
FACT:
myth:
There’s only one “right” choice of treatment.
myth:
FACT:
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THE POWER OF POSITIVITY
“If you think you can or you think you can't, you’re probably right.” It's an age-old saying that simply means if you believe in yourself, you can do most anything. This kind of positive attitude can have a positive effect on your health.
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Add a reminder on your calendar a few days before your doctor’s appointment to prepare any questions you may have or to jot down any important information you need to share.
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Make a follow-up appointment
before you leave your doctor’s
office. This can help you stay
on track.
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Make sure the provider you’re seeing is in-network, and check your coverage before your visit. To find in-network care, log in to myCigna.com or call Cigna at 800.Cigna24.
FACT:
BACK TO MYTH:
You have more influence on your health than you may think.
Research shows that people who are involved in their own health care decisions stay healthier overall, are more satisfied with the care they receive and often wind up spending less for that care.*
Most doctors expect and encourage second opinions.
No doctor can know everything from every single study and clinical trial out there. Getting a second (or even third) opinion can arm you with the facts. It’s your right – and your responsibility.
BACK TO MYTH:
FACT:
You may have more than one treatment option to choose from.
Someone with chronic back pain may be able to choose physical therapy, take medication or simply make lifestyle changes to help with pain. Talk to your doctor to choose the care plan that’s best for you.
BACK TO MYTH:
FACT:
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To find care, visit myCigna.com.
Your primary care physician
Earn points – and get rewards – for doing healthy activities.
I don’t have the skills to take my health into my own hands.
myth:
FACT:
myth:
FACT:
I’ll insult my doctor if I go for a second opinion.
FACT:
myth:
There’s only one “right” choice of treatment.
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Through the Cigna Your Health First® program, you or a covered family member can work one-on-one with a personal health coach. They can help you manage lower back pain, asthma, diabetes, anxiety, depression and more. This service is completely confidential and available at no additional cost to you.
Having a PCP you can trust is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. They’ll get to know you and your health history and provide the personalized care you need. Annual wellness visits with your PCP, as well as many preventive tests and screenings, are covered 100% when you stay in-network.**
Walkingspree makes it easy to support your healthy lifestyle – and earn rewards along the way. The app includes 24/7 access to on-demand workouts, educational videos and more. Start earning points today. Download the Walkingspree app, select State of Wyoming at sign up, and use redemption code: WYOMINGONWELLNESS.
Visit wyomingonwellness.org to learn more.
I don’t have the skills to take my health into my own hands.