Navigating
an enormous medical bureaucracy is not simple, but it helps if you know some
basic elements to begin. While you may
not have raised your right hand and taken an oath, you now are part of
the military medical system. (More about
the pros/cons of that role in another blogpost.)
If
you're new to the military system, there is an entirely new language of
acronyms and chain of command to understand.
You’ll become familiar with these terms and learn them over time, but as
the caregiver and advocate, your role is to support the best communication and
care possible for your family member.
Excellent
communication is critical, especially at the acute stage of an injury when things
are moving very fast and you are still reeling from that phone call. If you're an older caregiver and haven't had
to deal with the military medical system for years, you also have a sharp
learning curve, but ask questions and keep asking them until you obtain an
answer.
Practice
proactive documentation. Create a
notebook or carry a journal and keep it accessible. Record all appointments, referrals, visits, names,
dates, care team changes, and new appointments or practitioners. This notebook
or series of journals becomes your documented timeline and invaluable since it
recalls details for you when you’re
exhausted, overwhelmed, or have been in the medical system a long time.
Keep
medical records on a thumb drive besides using the paper, images, and electronic
records both the DoD and VA use.
Recognize that though changes are coming, there is not yet a seamless
transition between both agencies and the records don't consistently mesh with
each other.
After
a care team phone call, or an inquiry call you make, follow it with a brief
email summarizing the call and any action steps. You may not feel it necessary at the time, but
be wise. Staff changes, miscommunication and
misunderstandings can be avoided or mitigated if you have detailed, accurate
records.
Remain
calm and civil. You’ll receive better
communication and sometimes, better care if you do. Burning bridges with those whom you need to
help you and your family is a very poor choice.
You are vital to good care, and with proper documentation of your
communications and records, there is seldom a problem that cannot be
resolved. Be conscientious and prepared,
and you're a step ahead!
Linda Kreter &
VeteranCaregiver Team
