POWERGRAMS

HEALTH and WELLNESS Being prepared makes a difference in successful trip to doctor's office A Employees with a primary care physician can improve their healthcare. good doctor-patient relationship is important if you have an ongoing medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease or high blood pressure," said Alabama Power Health and Wellness Supervisor Brad Hilsmier. "However, regardless of health status, all of us can benefit from having a relationship with a primary care physician." Primary care physicians (PCP) are often described as the doctors responsible for diagnosing new illnesses and managing chronic ones, advocating preventive care and promoting wellness. Dr. Jeffery Harris, past president of the American College of Physicians, said PCPs deliver high-quality care, provide continuity of care and reduce healthcare costs through reduced hospitalization, improved prevention and better coordination of chronic disease care. "Unfortunately, the United States is currently facing a shortage of PCPs and the numbers are expected to worsen in the coming years," said Cindy Freeman, coordinator of Alabama Power's Employee Medical Advocacy Concerns (EMAC) MedLine. "Alabama Power has programs in place such as Empowered Health and the EMAC MedLine so we can help connect employees with high-quality healthcare resources." Employees and their families can contact the EMAC MedLine for assistance in finding a PCP. EMAC provides an avenue to share concerns and opinions about the quality of their medical care. Patients are the best – or only – source of certain information about quality of care, such as how well their doctors listen and explain, and how easy it is for patients to get the care they need. Freeman urged employees to contact EMAC at 1-866-992-EMAC or apcemac@southernco.com for assistance in finding a physician, or providing feedback about physicians. It is important for employees to be comfortable with and have confidence in their primary care physician, said Freeman. To foster a strong PAGE 6 relationship with a doctor, Alabama Power's Empowered Health team offers these tips: • Before the next doctor appointment, make a list of questions to ask. Also take a list of current medications (including vitamins, over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements) and list any allergies. • A doctor can't know what a patient doesn't tell him/her; be completely honest. State upfront all the reasons for your visit and your expectations. Describe your pain or other symptoms as accurately as possible. Bring the doctor any medical records or images from other physician visits. • It can be hard to absorb what a doctor says, especially if the information is complicated or includes medical terms. To double-check your understanding, repeat what the doctor says using your own words. • Take notes to help remember what was said and what you need to do. Ask for a follow-up phone number in case you have additional questions after leaving the doctor's office. • Consider asking a friend or family member to go with you to the doctor. They can help you listen carefully, ask the right questions or take notes. "An important tip employees can remember when it comes to healthcare is that they need to take a proactive role in making decisions about their health and any suggested treatments," said Hilsmier.

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