How to Use the U.S. Health Care System

Why do we need health care?

Health and illness in the U.S.

Health care in the

U.S. may be very

different from what

you are used to,

but doctors here

want to help you

stay healthy!

Getting a health screening

Uptown Clinic

845 W Wilson Ave

Chicago, IL 60640

(312) 744-1938

Touhy Health Center

2901 W Touhy AveChicago, IL 60645

(773) 973-7350

What to expect at the health screening

Fill out forms

Blood pressure, temperature, and weight taken

A physical exam by the doctor

X-ray or other machine tests

Give a small amount of blood so doctors can see if it is healthy

Medicines with instructions

Places providing health care services Public health departments

Community clinics or neighborhood health centers

Private doctors

Hospitals

Emergency rooms

The American health care systemHealth Insurance

In the U.S., people pay money into a common fund (or health insurance company) that can be used when someone in the community needs health care.

Buying insurance is expensive, but it is cheaper than paying for health care on your own.

The American health care systemTypes of health insurance Private or employer insurance

Most people in the U.S. are responsible for paying for their own health care.

Government health insurance First 8 months refugees live in the U.S. Elderly people over 65 years old People with disabilities Some children

The American health care systemTypes of health insurance During the first 8 months, you will receive

Medicaid or MediPlan Plus from the government.

Some individuals or families may be able to use MediPlan Plus for up to 5 years.

Work with your resettlement agency to determine what will work for you and your family

The American health care systemIllinois All Kids and Family Care All Kids is available for children 18 and

younger Payment is based on income

Family Care is available for parents or caregivers Must have child 18 or younger living in house Must qualify as low-income Payment is based on income

Your rightsIn Illinois, you have the right to: Health care services regardless of age, sex, or

race Health care services even if you don’t have

health insurance Go to a different health care facility Have hospital charges, rules and regulations

explained Submit complaints

Your rights

If you do not speak English, you have the right to an interpreter when you go to a health care facility by: Telephone Staff Medical interpreter

You do not have to use family or friends tointerpret for you!

Using a health care interpreter

Health care interpreters will not: Give you advice or opinions Help with financial matters Arrange or provide transportation

Health care interpreters will:

Translate accurately and completely

Help you schedule future appointments

Keep all information private

If an interpreter is not provided Explain that it is a legal right (use this card)

File a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights:312-353-5999 You don’t need to provide your name This will not cause problems with future health care

Your responsibilities Ask for an interpreter when you make an

appointment Arrive on time to your appointment Call the doctor if you cannot make the

appointment Provide accurate and complete information Ask questions Follow the treatment plan Tell your doctor when you don’t

understand or disagree Pay for health care services you receive

Going to the doctor

Ask friends and family to suggest a doctor you can be comfortable with and trust

Make sure you choose a doctor that accepts your health insurance

Ask about good interpreting services

Other health professionals

Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Can diagnose most health problems

and write prescriptions

Nurses Care for patients in hospitals, provide medication,

check vital signs May work for programs

like WIC

Other health professionals Midwives

Assist women in childbirth Some are certified as

nurse practitioners

Medical Assistants and Nurses Aids Will ask you questions about your health Will check your weight, blood pressure,

and temperature

Medical technicians Take x-rays Take samples of blood, urine, and poop for testing

Health care workers Help you understand illnesses

and how to take good care of your health

Other health professionals

When to see a doctor without delayIf you think you or another person may die, call911 and ask for an ambulance You may be asked to explain the problem and give the address

Recognizing an emergency: Chest pain that is severe or last 15 minutes Choking on food Loss of consciousness Not breathing or very difficult breathing Poisoning or overdose of a drug/medicine Severe injuries or bleeding Suicide attempt Continued seizures Sudden numbness or paralysis Sudden severe headache and change in consciousness

Other reasons to see your doctor quickly Fever of 104 degrees

Vomiting or diarrhea that does not stop

Coughing up or vomiting blood

Toothaches or headaches that do not go away with pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen)

Abdomial pain that does not go away

Change in mental ability or not thinking clearly

Throbbing headache with blurred vision

Problems that become much worse

Change in ability to see (such as double vision)

Taking medicine safelyOver the counter medicines

There are many medicines available to purchase in stores without a doctor’s prescription

These medicines have instructions that must be followed very carefully

Don’t take more than instructed

Check with a pharmacist to make sure the medicine will not make you sick

Taking medicine safelyPrescription medicines

Your doctor may give you aprescription for medicine…

Tell you doctor and pharmacist every herb or medicine you take.

You must take the medicine exactly as the doctor says!

If you don’t understand or disagree, ask questions!

Preventive health care

There are things we can do to be healthier and keep from getting sick! We call this prevention.

Mental health care

There are times in our lives when we feel: Sad Angry Worried Scared Confused

There are health workers who can help us feelbetter. Tell you doctor if you do not feel like yourself orwant to talk to someone.

How to make an appointment Keep important numbers for clinics and hospitals

When you call the clinic, ask for an interpreter, if needed.

Tell the receptionist what type of health care you need

Write notes about the date, time, and location

ESL resources and activities

http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/Health/

http://www.ccs.k12.va.us/programs/esl/docs/health/Health_Curriculum.pdf

http://www.expectingthebest.org/pages/curriculum/curriculum.htm

http://www.expectingthebest.org/documents/lessons/1youarewhatyoueat-teacher-CFSD.pdf