Keeping Cool While Staying Professional
When summer temperatures soar most of us scale down our clothing in an effort to stay cool and going to work in traditional business attire can be a challenge on those hot days. However, getting too skimpy with your clothing can be a real liability in how you are perceived as a professional.
Your job, position and work environment should dictate the level of formality needed in your attire. If you are in a serious business, like finance, law or other highly professional fields it is very important not to get too casual.
Here are some of my dos and don’ts to maintain a professional image on hot summer days:
• Don’t expose too much skin. Sleeveless, low cut tops are not appropriate in traditional work settings.
• Don’t flip and flop with your shoes. Slides, flip flops and sandals are not as professional as closed toe shoes or closed toe sling backs.
• Don’t get too high with your heels. Anything over two inches can be perceived as “sexy”
• Don’t get too short with your skirts… one –two inches above the knee should be the limit, regardless of how great your legs are.
• Don’t reveal all of your assets. Cleavage on either end is too much information. Be careful not to expose your bare midriff when raising your arms.
• Don’t wear tight tee shirts, tanks or sheer tops. No one wants to tell the temperature of the room by what a woman has on. Layering or a lined bra can help avoid this faux pas.
• Don’t wear capris or long shorts or cargo pants. Light weight long pants are a better choice.
Consider:
• Do wear lighter weight wrinkle resistant fabrics.
• Do lose the tie and wear an open collar if ties are not required.
• Do remove your jacket, but keep one handy if something pops up during your day that might require one.
• Do go bare legged if hose are not required.
• Do wear lighter weight skirts if long pants are too hot.
If you question if something is appropriate for work…it probably isn’t. If you find yourself apologizing for what you have on…it’s wrong.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
A Conversation with Karin Schroeck-Singh
A Conversation with Blogcaster Karin Schroeck-Singh
Please tell us about your work and background.
I’m the blogcaster (blogger/podcaster) of the “Manners And Career Blogcast” at: http://blog.mannersandcareer.com. A website that provides high-quality content to smart professionals and graduates who want to watch, listen to and read about manners and career-related topics for free. I started this blogcast during my maternity leave since I wanted to do something meaningful in that period of time. What I love in this job is the research, creating interesting and unique content in the etiquette industry, giving advice, networking and at the same time learning a lot from others too. I got excellent feedback so far and was able to increase my website traffic from month to month.
I completed my MBA at the University of Leicester (UK) in 2004. My 15 years of work experience in various sectors such as office management, recruitment, market research, operations management, teaching and training business-related subjects and business etiquette allowed me to enrich my skills portfolio and network considerably.
Where do you live?
I was born in Austria, have grown up in a German-speaking area in North Italy called Bozen/Bolzano where I spent 32 years. I worked and lived for 6,5 years in the UK and moved recently to India (New Delhi) with my husband and little daughter.
What are your greatest challenges as an Etiquette Professional in India?
I’m still in the process of finding out what the challenges in India will be. Hindi, the language spoken by most, is obviously a hurdle, even though English is considered as the Business language. However, knowing the native language is always beneficial. I started learning some basic words but realized that it will take me a long time until I will be able to be fluent in it. I also noticed that people listen to what I’m saying very carefully due to my German accent which they are not used to. Furthermore, there is a lot that needs to be researched and experienced. I noticed that researching about your competitors in the Indian etiquette industry on the internet is much more difficult. I found more relevant information in newspapers by reading articles and finding ads. Therefore I would say that researching the American etiquette industry is much easier since you can find so much information online. I do also strongly believe that teaching etiquette in the future will be delivered mostly online. Currently very few companies are doing it in a professional, interactive way. The education sector will undergo a revolution in that regard that has already started but is still not widespread. People and companies will simply want to learn this subject at their own pace, from their home or/and office, in their own time, yet in an interactive way.
Having said that, I’m not sure whether I would take up the role as an Etiquette Consultant in India. I never wanted to be just the best in a particular sector but the first and only in doing something completely new. I hope to fulfill my dream before I’ll turn 40 next year by creating something unique in the etiquette sector.
Do you think American and British Etiquette Consultants face the same etiquette challenges?
I think the problems are the same, mainly the fact that people think they don’t need to be taught on etiquette. They still haven’t realized that it has a direct (considerable) impact on a company’s bottom line.
What are the best ways you attract clients?
Since I was teaching etiquette as an employee of a world-leading Language School in England I did not have to attract any clients. But if I were an Etiquette Consultant I would obviously first focus on networking strategies before anything else. My goal in order to attract and keep clients would always be to EXCEED PEOPLES’ EXPECTATIONS, the secret of word-of-mouth. Something I learnt during my MBA while writing my dissertation on “Recommendation marketing: The creation of a word-of-mouth marketing strategy.”
What do you do to keep your skills current?
I consider myself a lifelong learner, therefore I consider learning as my biggest hobby which includes everything I do: reading, watching, listening, learning from my own and other peoples’ mistakes, observing, networking, discussing, whether it is online or offline.
Whom do you use as an advisor?
My closest family members.
Do you have a role model in the etiquette business?
No, but I’m very grateful of having had the opportunity to learn a lot from other American Etiquette Consultants. However, I must say that Patricia Rossi, Diane Gottsman and Walethia Aquil impressed me in a very thoughtful way.
Why did you go into the etiquette business?
I was always fascinated by different countries and cultures and was initially interested in International Etiquette. General Business Etiquette was something that I learnt later on. Teaching is my passion since I was six years old. I thought it was the perfect combination to teach the subject I’m most passionate about.
What do you say when people ask about "your job"?
I enjoy helping people to feel comfortable in any professional situation.
What's the best thing about being an Etiquette Professional?
Teaching other people a skill that they will need on a daily basis and they will remember for the rest of their life. It is rewarding in the sense of knowing that you make a difference in other peoples’ lives and their successes.
What's the worst thing about being an Etiquette Professional?
I can’t think of anything particularly bad.
What has been your guiding philosophy?
Learn from anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Do you have any advice for other Etiquette Professionals?
My five tips:
1.) Make sure you love what you are doing. Passion is very important to keep yourself motivated.
2.) Work hard but smart. Focus on the relevant things.
3.) Try to find out about other Etiquette Professionals experiences particularly if you just got started in this sector. (My blog offers some great interviews in that regard, look at the category “Etiquette Professionals”.)
4.) Try to be different from your competitors. Look out for a niche.
5.) Marketing is key in running your business, online as well as offline.
Thank you Karin for your thoughtful response to my questions. I do appreciate you taking the time.
Please tell us about your work and background.
I’m the blogcaster (blogger/podcaster) of the “Manners And Career Blogcast” at: http://blog.mannersandcareer.com. A website that provides high-quality content to smart professionals and graduates who want to watch, listen to and read about manners and career-related topics for free. I started this blogcast during my maternity leave since I wanted to do something meaningful in that period of time. What I love in this job is the research, creating interesting and unique content in the etiquette industry, giving advice, networking and at the same time learning a lot from others too. I got excellent feedback so far and was able to increase my website traffic from month to month.
I completed my MBA at the University of Leicester (UK) in 2004. My 15 years of work experience in various sectors such as office management, recruitment, market research, operations management, teaching and training business-related subjects and business etiquette allowed me to enrich my skills portfolio and network considerably.
Where do you live?
I was born in Austria, have grown up in a German-speaking area in North Italy called Bozen/Bolzano where I spent 32 years. I worked and lived for 6,5 years in the UK and moved recently to India (New Delhi) with my husband and little daughter.
What are your greatest challenges as an Etiquette Professional in India?
I’m still in the process of finding out what the challenges in India will be. Hindi, the language spoken by most, is obviously a hurdle, even though English is considered as the Business language. However, knowing the native language is always beneficial. I started learning some basic words but realized that it will take me a long time until I will be able to be fluent in it. I also noticed that people listen to what I’m saying very carefully due to my German accent which they are not used to. Furthermore, there is a lot that needs to be researched and experienced. I noticed that researching about your competitors in the Indian etiquette industry on the internet is much more difficult. I found more relevant information in newspapers by reading articles and finding ads. Therefore I would say that researching the American etiquette industry is much easier since you can find so much information online. I do also strongly believe that teaching etiquette in the future will be delivered mostly online. Currently very few companies are doing it in a professional, interactive way. The education sector will undergo a revolution in that regard that has already started but is still not widespread. People and companies will simply want to learn this subject at their own pace, from their home or/and office, in their own time, yet in an interactive way.
Having said that, I’m not sure whether I would take up the role as an Etiquette Consultant in India. I never wanted to be just the best in a particular sector but the first and only in doing something completely new. I hope to fulfill my dream before I’ll turn 40 next year by creating something unique in the etiquette sector.
Do you think American and British Etiquette Consultants face the same etiquette challenges?
I think the problems are the same, mainly the fact that people think they don’t need to be taught on etiquette. They still haven’t realized that it has a direct (considerable) impact on a company’s bottom line.
What are the best ways you attract clients?
Since I was teaching etiquette as an employee of a world-leading Language School in England I did not have to attract any clients. But if I were an Etiquette Consultant I would obviously first focus on networking strategies before anything else. My goal in order to attract and keep clients would always be to EXCEED PEOPLES’ EXPECTATIONS, the secret of word-of-mouth. Something I learnt during my MBA while writing my dissertation on “Recommendation marketing: The creation of a word-of-mouth marketing strategy.”
What do you do to keep your skills current?
I consider myself a lifelong learner, therefore I consider learning as my biggest hobby which includes everything I do: reading, watching, listening, learning from my own and other peoples’ mistakes, observing, networking, discussing, whether it is online or offline.
Whom do you use as an advisor?
My closest family members.
Do you have a role model in the etiquette business?
No, but I’m very grateful of having had the opportunity to learn a lot from other American Etiquette Consultants. However, I must say that Patricia Rossi, Diane Gottsman and Walethia Aquil impressed me in a very thoughtful way.
Why did you go into the etiquette business?
I was always fascinated by different countries and cultures and was initially interested in International Etiquette. General Business Etiquette was something that I learnt later on. Teaching is my passion since I was six years old. I thought it was the perfect combination to teach the subject I’m most passionate about.
What do you say when people ask about "your job"?
I enjoy helping people to feel comfortable in any professional situation.
What's the best thing about being an Etiquette Professional?
Teaching other people a skill that they will need on a daily basis and they will remember for the rest of their life. It is rewarding in the sense of knowing that you make a difference in other peoples’ lives and their successes.
What's the worst thing about being an Etiquette Professional?
I can’t think of anything particularly bad.
What has been your guiding philosophy?
Learn from anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Do you have any advice for other Etiquette Professionals?
My five tips:
1.) Make sure you love what you are doing. Passion is very important to keep yourself motivated.
2.) Work hard but smart. Focus on the relevant things.
3.) Try to find out about other Etiquette Professionals experiences particularly if you just got started in this sector. (My blog offers some great interviews in that regard, look at the category “Etiquette Professionals”.)
4.) Try to be different from your competitors. Look out for a niche.
5.) Marketing is key in running your business, online as well as offline.
Thank you Karin for your thoughtful response to my questions. I do appreciate you taking the time.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Professional Sabotage
Professional Sabotage
Being perceived as a professional is about more than a GPA or one’s academic ability. In fact, research states that we are judged much more on our social skills than our technical and academic ability.
Here is a list of faux pas that can sabotage your professional image.
1. A poor handshake or refusing to shake hands.
2. Lack of eye contact.
3. Poor table manners.
4. Poor grammar.
5. Inappropriate dress.
6. Gum chewing.
7. Swearing and off color remarks.
8. Taking phone calls and texting in meetings and in front of others.
9. Not returning phone calls and e-mails in a timely fashion.
10.Not sending a handwritten thank you note.
Perception is reality. The small things that we do and don’t do impact how we are perceived by others.
Do you have any other faux pas to add to this list?
Being perceived as a professional is about more than a GPA or one’s academic ability. In fact, research states that we are judged much more on our social skills than our technical and academic ability.
Here is a list of faux pas that can sabotage your professional image.
1. A poor handshake or refusing to shake hands.
2. Lack of eye contact.
3. Poor table manners.
4. Poor grammar.
5. Inappropriate dress.
6. Gum chewing.
7. Swearing and off color remarks.
8. Taking phone calls and texting in meetings and in front of others.
9. Not returning phone calls and e-mails in a timely fashion.
10.Not sending a handwritten thank you note.
Perception is reality. The small things that we do and don’t do impact how we are perceived by others.
Do you have any other faux pas to add to this list?
Friday, May 28, 2010
E Photo Etiquette
E Photo Etiquette
New technology, camera phones and all of the other was we take and access photos makes posting them on web sites and social media pages easier than ever. However, there are some courtesies that should be observed before posting those images.
• Before posting photos of friends and family members, especially children, seek permission.
• Use security features on family photo sites and only share your access password with people you trust.
• Be cautious in posting “funny” photos of others and yourself. They may come back to haunt you.
• If you wouldn’t want a photo published on the front page of a newspaper don’t post it on social media sites or send it in an email.
• Be prudent in forwarding photos that friends have shared with you to others.
Remember, the Internet is not private. You could send photos the old fashioned way…snail mail.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Intimidating Professions
I attended my high school class reunion a couple of years ago with two of my best friends. We grew up together and our friendships’ go back to grade school days—a special gift. Each of us chose different educational paths: one became a psychologist, one a bible study leader and I, a former nurse, turned etiquette consultant.
When we arrived at the party and people asked what we were all doing these days we laughed as people looked a little intimidated. I am not sure if they thought the psychologist was going to analyze them, the bible study leader was going to hear their confession or I was going to judge them on their manners. Of course, none of that was the case, but it was hard to miss the initial reactions people had toward our particular professions.
As an etiquette consultant, there are times when I feel like I can clear a table when I tell people what I do for a living. For some reason, people become self-conscious about their manners and social skills when they first meet me. Some even feel the need to apologize for their lack of knowledge.
However, I was not born an etiquette expert. I grew up in, and still live in, the Midwest with middle-class parents. There was no silver spoon, but I was taught to be respectful to all and well mannered at the table. Also, I attended Catholic schools and was taught by good sisters at a time when discipline was emphasized and enforced in schools.
I don’t always look like an etiquette consultant or eat at a table set for multiple courses. I get down and dirty when I work in my yard and even stand and eat over the sink when I’m in a hurry. I love my sweats and put my feet on my coffee table. However, I do know it is important to suit up for a business event and send handwritten thank you notes. I feel comfortable at a seven-course meal or entertaining high-ranking guests. That comfort level has come with years of learning what is required for each situation.
I am often asked why I went into the etiquette business and my answer is simple: I think being well mannered is as important as it is powerful. As the world gets crazier, less civilized, more technically linked and less personally linked, good manners can become a real mark of distinction.
So many people put the emphasis of good manners on the fork. It is not just about the fork! It’s about consideration for others. When that becomes your motivation for what you do you will probably always be perceived in a favorable way by those around you. Keep in mind that there are several levels of manners. I like to break in down to three levels:
• Very formal situations
• Business situations
• Personal or family situations
All require being considerate of others, but you probably will not be having a seven-course dinner on Friday night while watching a movie with your family. The important thing is to know what level is needed when and where.
Do people have an unusual response to your profession? I’d love to hear about it.
Etiquette consultants…what do you tell people you do for a living?
I attended my high school class reunion a couple of years ago with two of my best friends. We grew up together and our friendships’ go back to grade school days—a special gift. Each of us chose different educational paths: one became a psychologist, one a bible study leader and I, a former nurse, turned etiquette consultant.
When we arrived at the party and people asked what we were all doing these days we laughed as people looked a little intimidated. I am not sure if they thought the psychologist was going to analyze them, the bible study leader was going to hear their confession or I was going to judge them on their manners. Of course, none of that was the case, but it was hard to miss the initial reactions people had toward our particular professions.
As an etiquette consultant, there are times when I feel like I can clear a table when I tell people what I do for a living. For some reason, people become self-conscious about their manners and social skills when they first meet me. Some even feel the need to apologize for their lack of knowledge.
However, I was not born an etiquette expert. I grew up in, and still live in, the Midwest with middle-class parents. There was no silver spoon, but I was taught to be respectful to all and well mannered at the table. Also, I attended Catholic schools and was taught by good sisters at a time when discipline was emphasized and enforced in schools.
I don’t always look like an etiquette consultant or eat at a table set for multiple courses. I get down and dirty when I work in my yard and even stand and eat over the sink when I’m in a hurry. I love my sweats and put my feet on my coffee table. However, I do know it is important to suit up for a business event and send handwritten thank you notes. I feel comfortable at a seven-course meal or entertaining high-ranking guests. That comfort level has come with years of learning what is required for each situation.
I am often asked why I went into the etiquette business and my answer is simple: I think being well mannered is as important as it is powerful. As the world gets crazier, less civilized, more technically linked and less personally linked, good manners can become a real mark of distinction.
So many people put the emphasis of good manners on the fork. It is not just about the fork! It’s about consideration for others. When that becomes your motivation for what you do you will probably always be perceived in a favorable way by those around you. Keep in mind that there are several levels of manners. I like to break in down to three levels:
• Very formal situations
• Business situations
• Personal or family situations
All require being considerate of others, but you probably will not be having a seven-course dinner on Friday night while watching a movie with your family. The important thing is to know what level is needed when and where.
Do people have an unusual response to your profession? I’d love to hear about it.
Etiquette consultants…what do you tell people you do for a living?
New Medicine, Same Manners, part II
When my late husband and I were first married we lived in an apartment for a short time. The fact that he was a physician seemed to get around the building fairly quickly and led to frequent medical-related questions from other residents. I was used to people asking for his advice, in and out of the office. It seemed to be part of the job and he was always very gracious in responding.
However, the day a neighbor, whom we had never met, presented herself at our door in her bathrobe to get a diagnosis for her rash I felt a line had been crossed. Imagine my surprise when she opened her robe exposing a naked body! Not a pretty picture.
What’s the morale of the story? Be careful not to take advantage of people and their expertise. There is a time and place to seek medical advice from any physician or health care professional. Certainly, family members and good friends in the field can be a great asset in navigating the complexities of health care today and most are eager to help. However, there are some rules to be considered in and out of the office:
• Don’t turn a social event into an ongoing office call. Just because someone is in the heath care field doesn’t mean they are dying to hear about all of your aches and pains
• If you have an office appointment for yourself don’t bring the whole family and expect them to be seen in your time slot
• If you want to add an additional person, call and see if the physician’s schedule can handle it
• Many practices limit the number of complaints that can be addressed at one appointment. If you have multiple issues you may need another appointment or two.
• Bring your medication list with you at every visit
• If medications and/or dosages have changed, be sure to ask if the new medicine is replacing one you have been taking. This helps avoid double dosing.
• Be sure to introduce any friend and/or family member who may go with you to an office visit. Let the doctor know their relationship to you.
A little courtesy and understanding on the patients’ side is important and will be greatly appreciated by the physician and staff. I know…I was once an office nurse.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences regarding this.
When my late husband and I were first married we lived in an apartment for a short time. The fact that he was a physician seemed to get around the building fairly quickly and led to frequent medical-related questions from other residents. I was used to people asking for his advice, in and out of the office. It seemed to be part of the job and he was always very gracious in responding.
However, the day a neighbor, whom we had never met, presented herself at our door in her bathrobe to get a diagnosis for her rash I felt a line had been crossed. Imagine my surprise when she opened her robe exposing a naked body! Not a pretty picture.
What’s the morale of the story? Be careful not to take advantage of people and their expertise. There is a time and place to seek medical advice from any physician or health care professional. Certainly, family members and good friends in the field can be a great asset in navigating the complexities of health care today and most are eager to help. However, there are some rules to be considered in and out of the office:
• Don’t turn a social event into an ongoing office call. Just because someone is in the heath care field doesn’t mean they are dying to hear about all of your aches and pains
• If you have an office appointment for yourself don’t bring the whole family and expect them to be seen in your time slot
• If you want to add an additional person, call and see if the physician’s schedule can handle it
• Many practices limit the number of complaints that can be addressed at one appointment. If you have multiple issues you may need another appointment or two.
• Bring your medication list with you at every visit
• If medications and/or dosages have changed, be sure to ask if the new medicine is replacing one you have been taking. This helps avoid double dosing.
• Be sure to introduce any friend and/or family member who may go with you to an office visit. Let the doctor know their relationship to you.
A little courtesy and understanding on the patients’ side is important and will be greatly appreciated by the physician and staff. I know…I was once an office nurse.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences regarding this.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
New Medicine, Same Manners
New Medicine, Same Manners
The contemporary practice of medicine has taken a major shift for physicians and patients alike. The reasons for this shift are multifaceted: managed care, expenses, insurance, technology, and the list goes on and on.
Certainly, physicians and hospitals find challenges and feel a lack of control as they adjust to the rapid changes in the medical field. Similarly, patients must make adjustments as well, in order to feel they have a sense of control over their health care.
Historically, progress has two sides: we usually have great benefits, but also often lose something that is unique to the old way of doing things. Medicine is no different. The solo practice where the patient has a close one-on-one relationship with the “ole family doctor” is becoming rare.
However, this does not mean a patient has to sacrifice a meaningful relationship and excellent medical care with his or her physician who is a member of a large group. It does mean that the patient may have to shift his thinking or adjust her approach.
Patients who take more responsibility for their health and learn to effectively work with the medical system and their physician’s practice can reduce the miscommunication that is a common complaint today.
Some tips to navigate a modern medical system are:
• Be proactive before you get sick, if possible.
• Learn the routine of your physician’s office.
• Try to see the same physician at every appointment to establish a relationship.
• Learn the names of the medical staff.
• Learn when to place a call to the office. Avoid Monday mornings, before lunch and minutes before the office closes.
• Plan ahead for prescription refills. Don’t wait until the last minute or weekends.
• Learn how to navigate the telephone system by asking for the extension number of the nurse and how to get a “live” person.
• Understand the office’s protocol for emergencies.
• Find out what hospital your physician works in. Many medical groups split the hospitals for efficiency. Your physician may not make rounds or have privileges in your preferred hospital.
• Know the people who are providing your care. If the staff or physician does not let you know who they are, introduce yourself and ask their name and title or position.
• Turn off your cell phone! Taking calls during your appointment is rude and disruptive.
• Understand your physician’s protocol for receiving test results. Some offices only call patients with negative test results. If you are in doubt about the expectations or if you are anxious about test results, call the office.
• Keep a home file for each family member that contains all pertinent health information like: lab results, x-ray results health history and immunization history. This can help avoid errors and having to duplicate immunizations. Providing proof of immunizations is essential for school, work, military enlistment and more.
• List medications on a card and keep it in your wallet in case of an emergency hospital visit.
• Adult children of older parents can be more effective advocates if they keep copies of parent’s records.
• Call ahead and see if your physician is running behind if timely appointments are a concern. Ask again when you arrive and check periodically if your wait is getting lengthy.
• Be familiar with the privacy guidelines and be sure to document the family members who are privy to your medical information.
• Consider taking a family member or trusted friend to your appointments. If you are elderly or have serious medical issues, another person can act as an advocate and help prevent errors in information transmission.
• When making an appointment, note if you need to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time to fill out paperwork.
• Understand that courtesy is very important and infectious on all sides. Make sure you are considerate.
• If you encounter rudeness from a staff member or physician respond kindly. It will often diffuse the behavior. We all have a bad day, but if it is one individual, and the behavior is persistent, let the physician know. They can’t fix a problem if they don’t know about it.
• Change practices if the personalities and attitudes of a particular office are something you can’t live with. Be sure to let the office know why you left.
• Document serious glitches. For instance , if you call multiple times and no one returns your calls, let management know. Your time is valuable and waiting for long periods of time without a response can hold up progress.
Be a partner with your health care providers…it’s good medicine. Here’s to your health!
The contemporary practice of medicine has taken a major shift for physicians and patients alike. The reasons for this shift are multifaceted: managed care, expenses, insurance, technology, and the list goes on and on.
Certainly, physicians and hospitals find challenges and feel a lack of control as they adjust to the rapid changes in the medical field. Similarly, patients must make adjustments as well, in order to feel they have a sense of control over their health care.
Historically, progress has two sides: we usually have great benefits, but also often lose something that is unique to the old way of doing things. Medicine is no different. The solo practice where the patient has a close one-on-one relationship with the “ole family doctor” is becoming rare.
However, this does not mean a patient has to sacrifice a meaningful relationship and excellent medical care with his or her physician who is a member of a large group. It does mean that the patient may have to shift his thinking or adjust her approach.
Patients who take more responsibility for their health and learn to effectively work with the medical system and their physician’s practice can reduce the miscommunication that is a common complaint today.
Some tips to navigate a modern medical system are:
• Be proactive before you get sick, if possible.
• Learn the routine of your physician’s office.
• Try to see the same physician at every appointment to establish a relationship.
• Learn the names of the medical staff.
• Learn when to place a call to the office. Avoid Monday mornings, before lunch and minutes before the office closes.
• Plan ahead for prescription refills. Don’t wait until the last minute or weekends.
• Learn how to navigate the telephone system by asking for the extension number of the nurse and how to get a “live” person.
• Understand the office’s protocol for emergencies.
• Find out what hospital your physician works in. Many medical groups split the hospitals for efficiency. Your physician may not make rounds or have privileges in your preferred hospital.
• Know the people who are providing your care. If the staff or physician does not let you know who they are, introduce yourself and ask their name and title or position.
• Turn off your cell phone! Taking calls during your appointment is rude and disruptive.
• Understand your physician’s protocol for receiving test results. Some offices only call patients with negative test results. If you are in doubt about the expectations or if you are anxious about test results, call the office.
• Keep a home file for each family member that contains all pertinent health information like: lab results, x-ray results health history and immunization history. This can help avoid errors and having to duplicate immunizations. Providing proof of immunizations is essential for school, work, military enlistment and more.
• List medications on a card and keep it in your wallet in case of an emergency hospital visit.
• Adult children of older parents can be more effective advocates if they keep copies of parent’s records.
• Call ahead and see if your physician is running behind if timely appointments are a concern. Ask again when you arrive and check periodically if your wait is getting lengthy.
• Be familiar with the privacy guidelines and be sure to document the family members who are privy to your medical information.
• Consider taking a family member or trusted friend to your appointments. If you are elderly or have serious medical issues, another person can act as an advocate and help prevent errors in information transmission.
• When making an appointment, note if you need to arrive 15 minutes ahead of your appointment time to fill out paperwork.
• Understand that courtesy is very important and infectious on all sides. Make sure you are considerate.
• If you encounter rudeness from a staff member or physician respond kindly. It will often diffuse the behavior. We all have a bad day, but if it is one individual, and the behavior is persistent, let the physician know. They can’t fix a problem if they don’t know about it.
• Change practices if the personalities and attitudes of a particular office are something you can’t live with. Be sure to let the office know why you left.
• Document serious glitches. For instance , if you call multiple times and no one returns your calls, let management know. Your time is valuable and waiting for long periods of time without a response can hold up progress.
Be a partner with your health care providers…it’s good medicine. Here’s to your health!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
