PowerPoint Presentation

Chronic Illness ManagementWith Dr. Santa Maria

Handouts-available onlinePlease visit http://santamariamedicine.com/support-groups/support-group-handouts/ for more information.

Dr. Santa MariaAboutBoard Certified InternistPracticing for over 30 yearsSpecializes in patients with chronic illnesses and teaches prevention-based medicine Switched his practice to concierge to help serve a smaller pool of patients with a greater need for continued care.

Common problems for chronic illness patientsDifficult finding a diagnosisTendency to bounce between multiple specialistsDeclining health and cognitive dysfunction due to overwhelming symptoms and medicationsInability to recognize when a condition is out of control.Feelings of shame or guilt for extended periods of illness

continuedA lack of support from family, friends or community because of misunderstandingDifficulty maintaining work, education or social life due to symptomsOverwhelming amounts of medical records, too difficult to communicateIssues distinguishing what is and is not a medical emergency

How can you make the most out of your doctors visit?

Prepare your questions ahead of timeCome prepared with your medical documentsMake an action plan (Separate slide)When you leave: Do you understand what your prescribed tests/scans/exams are for?

Medical RecordsWhat are your rights to them?How can you retrieve them?How can you keep them organized?What programs are available to patients to use? What are their benefits?

MedicationsWhat should I ask, Who Should I ask?What does this medication do? (Do you understand?) What is it being prescribed for?Is it FDA approved?How much will it cost? Will my insurance be likely to cover it?What are the side effects?How long will it take to start working?Interaction Calculator: on WebMDWhat medications does it interact with?Is there a generic version? (Is there a difference?)What is the next step of medication if this one does not have the desired effect?If my doctor is unavailable and I have a question about medication where can I go?

Caring for a Child with Chronic Illness

How to manage school and educational options.How to advocate for your child in the doctors office and emergency room.What resources are available to families?How to build a support system.

School and Chronic IllnessStudents should have a 504/IEP (individualized educational plan)Monitor school for compliance and care with chronic illness protocolCommunicate with child to help them utilize new supportQ: When should I consider alternative schooling options for my child with chronic illness?A: Measure by days absent, if students hit the truancy mark, they should consider alternative schooling.Alternative schooling includes online school, hospital homebound, expedited educational programs, and other home schooling.Parental responsibility includes teaching a child independence and care of their diseaseto promote empowerment and responsibility.Is My Chronic Disease Under Control?

Do I know what my disease cycle is? Do I truly understand my disease and prognosis?Do I have someone else in my life who is able to understand and recognize my symptoms and know when its an emergency? Or when I cannot care for myself?How often do I have a flare up? Vs. How often am I seeing my doctor?Are all my medications having the full desired effect?Is my diet or fatigue affecting my daily schedule?Have I been confused or frustrated with what are usually simple tasks lately?Am I taking all my medications regularly?How often are flares interrupting school or work?What could happen if I dont treat my symptoms?

The Chronic Disease Cycle

Multiple Chronic IllnessesHaving one chronic disease may ultimately leads to a second chronic disease.Be aware of a change in symptoms to indicate a second illness.Be vigilant about regular exams and tests.Know what is your normal and your abnormal and FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCT. Be aggressive.Its better to be safe than to suffer. Disadvantages of Current Healthcare System for Chronically Ill PatientsLack of management and multiple specialists lead to inconsistency in treatment, repeated exams, and medical error.Fear or embarrassment of contacting your physician over the phone or lacking access to your physician's guidance leads to more ER visits, confusion, and mismanagement of treatment.Miscommunication due to rushed appointments or doctors unfamiliar with your current treatment plan can lead to medical error.

Handouts-available onlinePlease visit http://santamariamedicine.com/support-groups/support-group-handouts/ for more information.