Insurance Basics: Shared Decision Making

Shared Decision Making

We often rely on our doctors to tell us what care we need. But to get the best care, you and your doctor should make decisions together. This process is called “shared decision making”.

Shared Decision Making
Palliative Care and Shared Decision Making

Palliative care is medical care that tries to relieve discomfort and stress for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on improving quality of life for patients and their families. Palliative care doesn’t try to cure the illness.

Palliative Care and Shared Decision Making
Shared Decision Making and Preference-Sensitive Conditions

To get the best care, it helps if you and your doctor make decisions together. The process is called "shared decision making." This article suggests ways to talk to your doctor about three common health problems where there may be no clear, "right" option. They are uterine fibroids, type 2 diabetes and slow-growing prostate cancer. These are examples of preference-sensitive conditions.

Did You

Know

Every medical service has its own special code number called a CPT® code. Knowing that code number helps you get the most accurate cost estimate and understand your bill.

Did You

Know

If your health plan paid less than you expected, you can use your cost estimate to appeal.