Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with Lucet to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members and employees.

When you and your healthcare provider communicate well regarding health and personal issues, your health benefits. When problems arise because you and your healthcare provider are out of step, the result can be costly.

Steps to take:

Consider your relationship with your healthcare provider. Could it improve? If you’re not sure, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I need to ask more questions or get clearer information from my healthcare provider?
• Do I need or want a better understanding of my treatment plan?
• Has my healthcare provider discussed all my treatment options with me?
• Do I tell my healthcare provider when something is unclear or when I don’t understand what he or she says?
• Does my healthcare provider answer my questions in a way that helps me understand my condition and its treatment?
• Are there some things I don’t like about the way my healthcare provider communicates with me? What are these things?

Your answers to these questions can help you develop new lines of communication with your healthcare provider now and in the future, but only if you make the time and have the courage to bring them to your provider’s attention. Being assertive and acting as your own healthcare advocate is practicing good self-care.