Healthcare: Little Decisions Aren’t So Little

I once had a coach say to me, “Little things make big things happen.” He meant it in a sports context—for example, proper footwork makes it easier to catch a fly ball. But little things also make a big difference in the context of healthcare.  

Making Decisions about a New Diagnosis

Newly diagnosed patients often focus on the big picture: How is this going to affect my life? Who is the best doctor? What is the right treatment?
In the process of making big decisions on how to proceed, the patient will also have to make hundreds of little decisions. The little decisions may feel stressful and exhausting, but they add up in ways that can affect the patient’s outcome.

An example: After receiving a new diagnosis, a patient conducts an exhaustive search to find the right orthopedic surgeon—but then doesn’t take the necessary time to choose the right physical therapist for post-surgical care.

An expert health advisor can be there throughout the process to make sure each decision gets the attention it deserves.

The BHA team has worked with hundreds of recently diagnosed patients and guided them through the process of accessing the best care. We think of “little” things like these and create a plan to address them:

• Do you need a second opinion?
• Who are the best doctors and specialists for you to see?
• Do you have other conditions that need to be addressed at the same time?
• How can you maximize your insurance coverage?
• If this condition is genetic and could affect family members, should you consider genetic testing?
• How can you best prepare for your next doctor’s appointment?
• Who will advocate for you at each doctor’s appointment?
• Does your doctor have up-to-date information about what medications you’re taking in order to prevent a drug interaction?
• How can you maximize your nutrition and wellness during your treatment?
• Who is connecting with the different members of your medical team to coordinate your care?
• Have you arranged for mental health support before, during, and after treatment, if needed?
• Are you prepared for a medical emergency?

Those are just a few examples of small decisions that have huge implications in the treatment process. If you or someone you love is facing a new diagnosis, you don’t have to go through this on your own. Reach out to us.