With “ER” moving into the dust bin of old TV shows, all we have left is “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice.” They both seem more occupied with their hookups and spending their time talking to each other than treating patients.

So, let me tell you a few things I’ve learned about dealing with the medical community to achieve better health care.

First, next time you go to your doctor (you do have a doctor you go to with some regularity, I hope?) look at the size of your file. Pretty thick isn’t it? How easy will it be to find something in there?

1. Keep your own records, either on your computer or on a spread sheet so you can see your baseline test results quickly and spot any patterns or trends. At the very least, you should keep track of your blood pressure, weight, glucose, uric acid, cholesterol, thyroid and, for men, PSA and testosterone.

When all the doctors get around to computerizing their files, life for everyone will be simpler and more effective. Time will be saved by the doctor and staff and questions will get more accurate answers. Unfortunately the computerization of records isn’t happening all that fast, especially with old-time docs.

2. If you’ve been advised you have a problem, seek more information and more than one opinion.

3. The Internet, of course, is a great place to start. It can help you understand more about your problem as well as the procedures and drugs that have been recommended. Background information is also available on doctors who you may want to consider for future consultation.

In addition, the Internet can also help formulate the questions you want answered when you seek additional or other medical opinions.

4. For each problem you encounter, start a separate file folder so you can keep all your pertinent information, test results and notes from meetings, etc., in one place.

5. If you are going to a doctor to discuss a problem, bring someone with you. It is amazing how much more productive two sets of ears are than just one.

6. If you are helping older family or friends with doctors or especially in hospitals, you have to be an advocate, not nasty, not angry, but positive and persistent. The hospital experience will be unbelievably better for the patient if someone fills that role. One more thing: If you can’t do it, find someone who can.

Stay healthy.

What do you think?

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