A Snowbird’s Guide to Continued Care
How to Coordinate Health Care Before You Travel
Many adults embrace a snowbird lifestyle, splitting their time between different states from season to season. For those with cancer, coordinating needed health care while on the move can be a major concern. With a bit of advance planning, however, it is possible to continue with treatment and preserve your peace of mind.
This guide explores the best practices for snowbirds seeking to coordinate cancer care while traveling. Learn how to bridge the gap between medical professionals, transfer medical records and foster effective communication. Whether you split your time between New York and Florida or other destinations, this guide will help you take the needed steps to avoid disruptions.
The Importance of Care Coordination
The key to maintaining a comprehensive and cohesive health care plan lies in coordination and communication between medical professionals in both locations. This will help ensure that your treatment remains consistent and that potential complications are addressed promptly.
Establishing Communication Channels
One of the first steps is to set up clear communication channels between your medical providers. Technology, such as emails and virtual consultations, will help bridge the gap between distances.
Notify your oncologist in your home town that you will be spending time in another location. This will prompt them to establish a connection with your second health care team. Make sure both oncologists have each other’s contact information and your consent to share your medical records.
Transferring Medical Records
The sharing of medical records is crucial to ensuring continuous care during your travels.
Work with your primary oncologist to gather all relevant medical history, test results, treatment plans and prescriptions. Ask that they send them to your oncologist in the second location. This ensures they have a comprehensive understanding of your health status and treatment plan. Health care providers often use electronic medical record systems to share data securely and in real time.
Designating a Primary Oncologist
While you may receive care from two oncologists, designating one as your primary oncologist can streamline your health care coordination process. Your primary oncologist will oversee your overall treatment plan, communicate with the secondary oncologist as needed and serve as your main point of contact for medical decisions. Designating a primary provider ensures that your treatment remains consistent and avoids potential conflicts in prescriptions or therapies.
Doctors Barry, Telekuntla and Van Der Wall are oncology and hematology experts at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. They serve patients in greater Manatee County at the Bradenton Cancer Center — 3630 Manatee Ave., Bradenton, FL 34205. For more information call (941) 792-1881.
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Scheduling Follow-up Appointments
To monitor your progress and address any adjustments to your treatment plan, consider scheduling follow-up appointments with both oncologists during your time in each location. This proactive approach allows medical professionals to track your health developments and collaborate effectively on any necessary modifications to your treatment.
Staying Proactive in Your Care
As a snowbird, your active involvement in your medical journey is vital. Be proactive in communicating with your oncologists, sharing any changes in your health, medications or side effects that you experience. Keep track of your appointments, test results and prescriptions, ensuring you have this information readily available for both health care teams.
Utilizing Local Resources
While coordinating health care between states, take advantage of local resources in each community. Familiarize yourself with nearby hospitals, cancer treatment centers and support groups in both locations. These resources can provide additional assistance, access to urgent care if needed and a network of support.
Make Your Health Care Plan
Enjoying life as a snowbird does not mean you need to compromise your health care. With careful, proactive planning and effective communication, you can ensure continuous and reliable cancer care no matter where you are. By following these guidelines, you can confidently maintain your health journey. With the right approach, you can travel with peace of mind and focus on the joy of exploring new horizons.