What you can do to get the best help

Things you can do to ensure you get the best help

Reaching out to someone may be a big step. To help you get the best help there are some things that you may be able to do. Below are some suggestions:

Know your medical history and how this may affect the type of help you need

Often when you see a doctor or other health professional they will ask you some questions about your health and medical background in order to work out what type of help you need. This may include asking:

• If you are on any medications or herbal treatments.
• If you smoke, drink or have used illegal drugs lately.
• If you have any allergies or had any reactions to medication.

Knowing this information can help the health professional give you the best help.

Try to be honest about what help you need

Sometimes health professionals need to know things about you, which you may find embarrassing or uncomfortable. It is important to try and answer these questions honestly so that they can help you. If you are unsure of why the health professional is asking you a particular question you may want to ask them why they need to know.

If you are concerned about your rights to Confidentiality in relation to the use of illegal drugs it may be worth speaking to the health professional as to whether they need to either record this information on a permanent record and or inform anybody else.

Talk openly about the help you think you need

Talking about your health or medical condition openly with your doctor or health practitioner should help them give you the best help.

Ask questions about the treatment and help they suggest

Don't be afraid to ask questions about your health or treatments that may be available. If you don't understand what the health professional is suggesting may help ask them to explain it again, or in a different way. The health professional is there to help you find the best solution to your health concerns.

Let your doctor or other health professionals know about beliefs or cultural practices - Letting your health practitioner know about your religious/cultural beliefs will help them to be more sensitive to your needs. Sometimes doctors may want to do something that is against your cultural practices. Talking to them about why it is inappropriate may be helpful, as sometimes they may not know they are offending you. You may find it easier to see someone who has similar cultural or religious beliefs to you, or is of the same gender.

Take your time to decide on the right sort of help

Take time to think over decisions. Talking to family and friends may help you to make the decision that is best for you. It may be helpful to check out the fact sheet on the benefits of talking to someone. Sometimes you may need to talk to your doctor or health practitioner again or it may help to get a second opinion.

Take notice of any side effects

When you start to take medication ask about the side effects. If you are taking psychiatric medication there is likely to be side effects and it is important to talk to your doctor about these. If you do experience undesirable side effects, contact your health practitioner.

Express your concerns

If you are not happy with the health provider it may be a good idea to let them know. You may want to check out the fact sheet Knowing your rights as a health consumer for more information about who can help you.

More information

To get further information about your rights and responsibilities or to complain contact:

The NSW Health Care Complaints Commission
Telephone: 02 9219 7444
Toll Free in NSW: 1800 043 159
TTY: 02 9219 7555

ACT Community & Health Services Complaints Commission
Phone: 13 22 81

NT Health & Community Services Complaints Commission
Darwin: 08 8999 1969
Alice Springs: 08 8951 5818

QLD Health Rights Commission
Phone: 07 3234 0272
Toll free in QLD: 1800 077 308

SA Ombudsman
Phone: 08 8226 8699
Toll free in SA: 1800 182 150

TAS Health Complaints Commissioner
Phone: 1300 766 725 (Australia Wide)

VIC Health Services Commissioner
Phone: 03 8601 5200
Toll free in Victoria: 1800 136 066
TTY: 1300 650 275

WA Office of Health Review
Phone: 08 9323 0600
Toll free in WA: 1800 813 583 (Australia Wide)