Working with Your Doctor.
Last updated Thursday, January 06, 2005
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More informationHow can people with arthritis make sure they can afford the costs of their treatment plans? Don't be afraid to ask your doctor how much something will cost or if
there are less expensive options. One way to save money is to ask about
the possibility of prescribing generic or non-brand-name drugs, which
are usually less expensive. Not all arthritis drugs are available in a
generic form, although some are. Once you've found a medication that
works for you, ask your doctor to prescribe it in larger quantities,
which will cost less.Can people with arthritis get second opinions? If you are unsure of some part of your diagnosis or treatment, you
can seek a second opinion from another physician. Ask your doctor to
recommend a consulting physician. Sign a release form and request that
a copy of your medical records be sent to the consulting physician.
Your doctor has nothing to lose and usually much to gain by helping
you find a second opinion. Your diagnosis and treatment should be based
on sound principles. Another opinion should only confirm this.
Usually the consultant will call or write a letter to your doctor,
stating findings and giving advice for treatment. Discuss the
consultant's advice with your own physician, and decide if the second
opinion should make any difference in your treatment plan. Can people with arthritis suggest changes to their treatment programs? Managing and controlling your arthritis is an ongoing process that has
to be monitored continually. Your doctor relies on you to provide
information about how you feel, in order to monitor how well parts of
your treatment program are working. Don't be afraid to suggest a change
in your treatment to your doctor. Your efforts show that you are trying
to follow your program.Credits Some of this material may also be available in an Arthritis Foundation
brochure. Contact the Washington/Alaska Chapter Helpline: (800)
542-0295. If dialing from outside of WA and AK, contact the National
Helpline: (800) 283-7800.
Adapted from a pamphlet originally prepared for the Arthritis Foundation. This material is protected by copyright. Disclaimer
This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
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