Q : What is a primary care physician?
A : A primary care physician is a doctor who can help you with a wide range of medical problems, as well as routine physicals, immunizations and other exams. He or she can refer you to a specialist if specific problems arise. Primary care physicians are licensed general practitioners, internists, family practitioners or pediatricians. Osteopaths are also fully licensed primary care physicians, but they are licensed as DOs (Doctors of Osteopathy) rather than MDs (Medical Doctors). Check out "How To Select a Physician" for more information on selecting your primary care physician. |
Q : What is a specialist?
A : A specialist is a physician who concentrates on a specific field of medicine. A specialist may be consulted if there are questions about treatment for a specific illness or condition. For instance, a cardiologist, who specializes in diseases of the heart, would be consulted if a patient has had a heart attack. |
Q : What is preventive medicine?
A : Preventive medicine means accepting the ultimate responsibility for our own helth. It is similar to taking in your car for a tune-up and oil change. At this time, there is nothing wrong with your car, but this "preventive maintenance" can help keep your car in good shape and running well for a long time. Preventive medicine encourages us to exercise, eat a balanced diet and diagnose disease early by scheduling regualr "check-ups" and having routine screening exams. Learning how to keep our bodies healthy and recognizing the early signs of problems help the medical profession serve us better. |
Q : What is the difference between "acute" and "chronic?"
A : Acute describes a condition which comes on qucikly, with severe symptoms, then goes away quickly. An example is acute appendicitis. Chronic describes a condition that is long and drawn out, usually without sharp or severe symptoms. An example is a chronic backache. |
Q : What is the difference between inpatient and outpatient facilities?
A : Generally, when we talk about inpatient services, we are referring to those services you receive as a patient who has been admitted to the hospital. These include services such as inpatient surgery, physicial and respiratory therapies and inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Outpatient services refer to health care services you receive when you are not an admitted hospital patient. This broad array of services includes urgent care, outpatient diagnostic testing, cardiac rehabilitation, chemotherapy and many more. |
Q : What are some of the reasons I may be hospitalized?
A : There are seven basic reasons for hospitalization. They are: diagnostic tests, observation, surgery, delivery of a baby, quarantine for a communicable disease, mental health issues and detoxification or other problems related to substance abuse. |
Q : What is informed consent?
A : It is the law that you are informed about the procedure or treatment you will receive. This means your doctor must provide a thorough and understandable description of what will happen to you. Your doctor's idea of "understandable" may differ from your own. Make sure to ask questions and undertsand everything. To be legally informed, your doctor should have made you feel that you understand your medical condition; you undertsand the basic procedure to be performed; you are aware of any alternative treatment available; and you understand the benefits and risks of your procedure, including those associated with anesthesia. You also have the right to reject the treatment suggested knowing these risks. |
Q : Who should I contact with questions once I am in the hospital?
A : You can ask your doctor or nuse or the patient relations representtaive, who will visit you during your stay. Don't feel silly repeating questions. It is your responsibility to ask questions until you understand and feel comfortable. |
Q : What is a "Center of Excellence?"
A : Little Company of Mary has "centers of Excellence," which represent areas of medical care in which the health system excels. Little Company of Mary Hospital's Centers of Excellence inlcude the Heart Center, Cancer Program, Emergency Department and Women's and Children's Health. San Pedro Peninsula Hospital's Centers of Excellence include Bridges Adult Psychiatry, rehabcentre Acute Rehabilitation, Emergency Department and Women's and Children's Health. Little Company of Mary is also proud of its systemwide Centers of Excellence, which include Checmical Dependency Recovery, Home Care and Hospice and Post-Acute Services. |
Q : I've recently been diagnosed with diabetes; can you suggest any lasses or lectures that I might attend to lern more about my disease?
A : Little Company of Mary offers many classes,lecture and screenings ona variety of health topics at our hospitals, as well as in the community. We're sure you will find one to fit your needs. For more information about diabetes specifically, check out our Diabetes Program, which offers one-on-one consultation with a Certified Diabetes Educator and Dietitian, and much more. |
Q : I'm confused by all the jargon used by my health plan. Can you help me with terms like "DRGs" and "capitation?"
A : Health care terms, in general, can be confusin. Health Plan and Insurance terms can often seem like a whole new language. Check out our glossary for help with many of these terms and definitions. If you don't find what you are looking for there, check out How To Select a Health Plan. Still need help? Contact your health insurance carrier for clarification or send us your question.... we will find the answer and maybe post it here on our Questions and Answers page! |
Q : Do you have any special services for seniors?
A : As a matter fact, Little Company of Mary has an entire department dedicated to Senior Services. Services include Friends & Neighbors, a free membership program for adults ages 50+, which offers special programs, benefits and discounts. |
