If you or your child has a urinary tract infection and needs treatment for it, you’ll want to find a hospital or clinic and a healthcare provider. And preferably one that suits your needs. But how do you do that? These steps can help you in your search.
1. Determine what matters to you
For example, you don’t want to travel too far, that it clicks with the healthcare provider, that he or she has a lot of experience and that there is a short waiting time. Therefore, make a list of the requirements you set for a healthcare provider and hospital.
2. Look for reliable, objective information
Have you listed your wishes? Then find information that fits these wishes. You will find the current waiting times on the website of the hospital and on Zorgkaart Nederland. You can also find out which quality marks the hospital has on Zorgkaart Nederland. Search for the relevant hospital and look at Waiting times or Quality.
Do you have no idea what your wishes are? Then you can also reverse steps 1 and 2. You first look for objective information and then choose the minimum requirements for the care.
3. Read others’ experiences
By combining general information with patient experiences, you get a more complete picture. Under the condition you can read how fellow patients rate the care in the hospital and care providers . See if their experiences align with the points you care about. With positive reactions, you go to the hospital with more confidence. Are the reactions disappointing? Then discuss with your environment and doctor what is wise to do.
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4. Discuss with your GP what matters to you
Indicate to your GP that you want to think along about the best care providers and the best hospital for you or your child. Explain that travel distance is not an issue for you, or is it. Or that you are looking for a care provider who has a lot of experience with the treatment you or your child receives. Before your general practitioner refers to you, you can decide together which specialist is right for you.
5. Find out what the possible costs are
You have the right to choose a care provider or hospital yourself. But health insurers enter into contracts with care providers and increasingly make choices in this respect. For example, it may happen that you have found a care provider, but your health insurer does not have a contract with him. Then you will probably have to pay extra or choose a different healthcare provider. Find out in advance whether you have to pay for the healthcare provider of your choice.
6. If possible, get acquainted first
It is important that you or your child feel comfortable with the healthcare provider and in the clinic or hospital. Always discuss matters that you consider important in the first meeting. Have you prepared any questions? At the beginning of the conversation, make this clear. This can then be considered by the healthcare provider. Ask the questions you listed, and then record the responses. You can read everything quietly after the appointment.
If the first contact is not pleasant, you can ask for another healthcare provider.
7. Second Opinion
It may happen that you already have a healthcare provider, but you are unsure about the diagnosis or treatment that he or she proposes. You can then ask for the opinion of another healthcare provider. You may find it difficult to tell your healthcare provider that you want a second opinion, but remember that such a conversation is very common for healthcare providers.
Our tips to choose a urinary tract infection treatment that’s right for you
Which treatment for urinary tract infections best suits your options and your wishes? If you are searching for a best treatment, these tips can be helpful.
1. Look at treatment options
Often there are different ways of treatment possible. Make sure you are aware of these options. For example, look at Thuisarts.nl for its treatment. You can also find more information about treatments on the website of the patient association.
2. Ask 3 good questions
You are entitled to good information. The 3 good questions can help to get that good information. Take these questions with you to your healthcare provider.
- What are my options?
List the options with your healthcare provider. There are always at least two, because waiting is also an option. Examples: A physical exam or a scan? Treat immediately or wait and see? - What are the advantages and disadvantages of those options?
Each treatment has advantages and disadvantages. For example, medicines can quickly resolve your complaints, but there are also risks involved. Ask your healthcare provider about the results of the different treatments. What can a treatment bring you? Discuss the recovery period, risks, consequences and side effects for each possible treatment. - What does that mean in my situation?
Your personal situation is important for the choice. What is your home situation like, what is your profession, how old are you, what are your wishes and goals? It is also important for your doctor to know this. So that he or she can adjust the medical advice accordingly.
Other tips for during the interview
In addition to the 3 good questions, you probably have other questions as well. Questions you came up with at home, or questions that come up during the conversation. Always set this as well. There are no stupid questions. In addition, the following tips will help you during the conversation with your doctor:
- If you don’t fully understand something, tell me.
- If you are unsure about anything, say so.
- Bring your questions on paper and write down the answers. You can then read the answers at home.
- Summarize the conversation in your own words at the end. This way you can check with your healthcare provider whether you have understood.