Local doctor offers 5 tips for better care of chronic conditions
Set clear goals, coordinate your care and track information for more effective primary care visits.
1. Get informed
A physician is an expert in the world of medicine, but only you are an expert in yourself. Contribute to your care by providing relevant information.
“Some physicians hate when their patients Google symptoms, but I enjoy it—it shows you’re interested,” says Dr. Kyle Jordan, a family medicine physician at Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) Totem Lake.
“It’s extremely rare for a patient to suggest something their doctor has never heard of, but it gives us a better idea of your concerns.”
Other important information? A list of your medications and their purpose, and medical records from other hospital visits. “The medical system is, unfortunately, very fragmented,” he adds. “Chronic patients often have acute events, and you can improve your care by coordinating information between physicians.”
2. Keep track of your body
“Objective evidence is important — tracking your blood-sugar levels if you’re diabetic, taking your blood pressure regularly, stepping on the scale if your doctor has asked you to monitor your weight,” Dr. Jordan says. “It doesn’t have to take over your life, but it’s important to track those things regularly to get a better picture of your health.”
Lab work also fits here. If your doctor orders a lab, support your care by getting it done.
3. Control what you can
Your chronic condition may give you bad days, but it doesn’t have to dominate your life. Start with small steps like getting physically active and eating well, and build your treatment from there. “In many cases, you can have more control over your body than your doctor does,” says Dr. Jordan.
Some chronic conditions, like depression, make it hard to do even the little things. Dr. Jordan acknowledges that patients commonly have a feeling of personal failure when success seems far off.
“All the grades and tests in medical school tend to make doctors goal-oriented, but health is more of a spectrum,” he explains. “Of course, I want you to quit smoking, reach a healthy weight or lower your blood pressure, but we can celebrate small victories along the way.”
4. Get support
“Humans are communal creatures. It’s not a deficiency to ask for help,” Dr. Jordan says. He encourages you to reach out to neighbors and friends, and to talk to your doctor—even about symptoms you find embarrassing.
“We can’t help you if we don’t know about it. If your chronic illness is giving you a hard time, get the support to cover your deficit. Maybe a friend can deliver your medication to your door, or maybe your doctor can help you access home health support.”
5. Plan ahead
Don’t procrastinate: book appointments and follow-ups early, and then cancel if symptoms clear up. Plan your doctor’s visit too. Set a clear goal for the appointment, and bring all that information you’ve been tracking!
“I don’t come from a family of doctors, and I still remember what it’s like to be a patient. It can be intimidating, but it’s important to remember that you’re the master of your own care. If you prepare, you’ll get more out of the professionals at your service,” Dr. Jordan says. “Doctors want to help!”
Dr. Jordan is accepting new patients at Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) Totem Lake, 12910 Totem Lake Blvd. NE in Kirkland. To make an appointment call 425-814-5000 or book online at pacmed.org.
3 keys to quality, head-to-toe care
Canyon Park family medicine physician brings a holistic approach to patients of all ages
As a family medicine physician, Dr. Ashu Verma is a generalist — and that’s the way she likes it.
“I like the variety of medical issues I can see in one day. From physicals and preventive care to management of depression and anxiety. Simple procedures like laceration repairs and mole removals, acute care like diagnosing appendicitis or treating acute back pain, or managing chronic conditions like diabetes, cholesterol or blood pressure. It’s different every hour!” says Dr. Verma, who practices Family Medicine at Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) Canyon Park.
Not only does family medicine give her variety, it also gives her a stronger bond with patients.
“I’m grateful that families entrust me in their care for the long term, and I really enjoy building relationships from age five and up,” she says. “Holistic health means taking care of the full person and establishing a long-term relationship. I manage my patients’ healthcare from head to toe so nothing gets missed, and help ensure continuity of care,” she says.
Looking for connections
Dr. Verma may refer you to a specialist for your heart, your skin or a muscle strain, but she’ll continue to coordinate your care and look for connections between issues. You are more than just a collection of bones and organs, and a generalist’s view is often the best way to see how all the parts interconnect. It takes time and patience to develop that bond with patients, but that’s what Dr. Verma is good at.
“I hope after their visit with me that patients feel, first and foremost, that they were heard. That their concerns and issues were listened to in a compassionate way. And hopefully they’ll walk away feeling that I’m part of their team in supporting their health.”
3 keys to quality primary care
Dr. Verma believes physicians need three things to give patients quality healthcare:
- Time: Appointments should never be rushed, and long term patient relationships are ideal.
- Compassion: Doctors should listen to their patients’ concerns in a thoughtful, caring way.
- Knowledge: Learning doesn’t stop when you graduate — good physicians should keep developing their medical knowledge.
“Someone who combines all these skills creates a comfortable environment where both doctor and patient are working towards the same goal. A physician who takes the time, is compassionate and has up-to-date medical knowledge helps patients feel there’s someone on their side that’s supporting their healthcare concerns.”
Dr. Verma is accepting new patients at Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) Canyon Park, 1909 214th St. SE, in Bothell. Make an appointment by calling 425.412.7200 or book online.