Clear Health Communication is Important
Health Choice Generations is aware of the importance of clear health communication between healthcare providers, patients and health plans. Without clear health communication and understanding, important facts about your health and well-being may not be revealed and you may not receive the correct diagnosis, treatment or prescription.
The Partnership for Clear Health Communication: AskMe3.org provides many communication tips for physicians and patients. Patients are advised to ask three questions when visiting their healthcare provider, pharmacist or when preparing for a medical test or procedure:
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
Asking these three questions can help you take care of your health; prepare for medical tests; take medicines the right way.
If you still do not understand what is being communicated to you, let your doctor, nurse or pharmacist know you need further explanation of what you need to do. Try not to be nervous to ask your health provider questions.
Your medical team wants you to let them know that you need help. They want you to know all about your condition, why a certain treatment is important for your health and the steps to take to prevent future illness or keep your condition in control.
When you prepare to see your healthcare provider, make sure you let your doctor, nurse, technician etc. know of any life-style changes such as a change in diet, exercise, medications etc. It is important that you communicate with them as well as they communicate with you!
HC Generations recognizes the diverse backgrounds and cultural differences of our members such as age, income, literacy skills, employment status, education level or racial or ethnic group. The plan is committed to offering services and contracting with healthcare providers, hospitals, pharmacies and ancillary services that are sensitive to the needs of our members.
Also, HC Generations Member Services representatives are trained to be culturally aware and sensitive to member’s needs. For more information, please contact HC Generations Member Services Department at 1-800-656-8991; TTY users should call 711.
Or, you may e-mail Member Services at Comments@steward.org.
Translation Services
Health Choice Generations recognizes we have members of different cultures and backgrounds. These members might need special assistance such as translation services or having a doctor that speaks another language.
In addition, if you should need assistance translating the information on the Health Choice Generations site or would like to receive Health Choice Generations in an alternative format such as another language or larger print, please contact Member Services at 1-800-656-8991, 8 am – 8 pm, 7 days a week. Or, you may e-mail Member Services at Comments@steward.org.
Hearing Impaired Services
Health Choice Generations hearing impaired members can call AZ Relay Service at 800-367-8939 or dial 711 to reach an operator who will connect them to AZ Relay Services. There is no cost for the service.
Multi-Language Insert