Choosing a Doctor:

• Some doctors and clinics tell you that they “accept” Culinary insurance but they don’t tell you that’s different than being a contracted Culinary doctor.
• Make sure you always ask if they are a “Culinary Preferred Provider” (Contracted Provider).
• If they are not, your out-of-pocket costs will be higher because your claims will be paid at non-ppo rates.
• The doctors listed in the Culinary directory or our website are PPO providers, and only at the locations listed.

When Looking for a New Doctor:

• Make a list of things you want in a doctor, such as location, gender, office hours, etc.
• Ask for recommendations from relatives and friends.
• Find out from the doctor’s office if they are taking new patients.
• Call and ask about office hours, staffing, how long you must wait for an appointment, and how long you will wait to see the doctor once you come.
• Ask if the doctor is a Culinary doctor.
• Ask who cares for you after office hours or if the doctor is away.
• Find out which hospital the doctor sends patients to.

See Your “Primary” Doctor Before You See a Specialist:

• It’s important for your health to have regular primary care doctors for you and your family.
• General practitioner, Family Medical doctors, and pediatricians are examples of primary care doctors. These are listed in the front of our PPO directory under “Primary Care”.
• Those doctors manage your medical care. They gather your medical history and keep your information together.
• If your primary care doctor cannot take care of your health problem, he or she can refer you to a specialist.

Talking With Your Doctor:
Here are some of the things that you may want to tell your doctor during your appointment:

• What do I think the problem is and when did it start?
• What makes it better and worse?
• What are my sign and symptoms? Be specific. If you have pain, be able to say where the pain is, how much it hurts, and if it is dull, aching, stabbing, throbbing, etc.
• Results of home testing such as your temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate per minute, etc.
• Medicines you take. Know the name(s), dose(s), etc. Include over-the-counter ones, vitamins, etc.
• Allergies to medicines, food, etc.
• Other medical conditions you have
• Medical conditions that run in your family
• Your lifestyle: Eating, drinking, sleeping, exercising habits, etc.
• Concerns you have about your health
• What you would like the doctor to do for you
• Your pharmacist’s phone number

Note: If possible, have your medical records, results of lab tests and x-rays, etc. from other health care providers sent to your doctor before your visit.

After your doctor’s appointment, you need to:

• Follow your doctor’s advice. If you can’t remember what to do, call the doctor’s office. Ask again, what it is you should do.
• Tell your doctor if you feel worse, have additional problems, or have bad side effects from medicines your doctor told you to take.
• Keep return visit appointments. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, call your doctor’s office at least 24 hours ahead of time.

Emergency rooms are only for serious emergencies!
Learn where to go for medical help information.

Can you tell:

• If you have a problem needing emergency care?
• When you should see or call your doctor?
• If you can take care of the problem yourself?

Read below to help you answer these questions.

Do you have a medical emergency? How do you tell the difference between a true emergency and a minor problem? Certain symptoms are so alarming that the need for emergency care—or even an ambulance – is obvious. But what should you do about more common illnesses and injuries?

Remember! Only a doctor can diagnose medical problems. But you can protect your family’s health by learning to recognize certain symptoms.

1. Know which symptoms to watch for. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, the following are warning signs of a medical emergency:
   • Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
   • Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
   • Fainting
   • Sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision
   • Change in mental status (such as unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty arousing)
   • Sudden, severe pain anywhere in the body
   • Bleeding that won’t stop
   • Severe or persistent vomiting
   • Coughing up or vomiting blood
   • Suicidal or homicidal feelings
     
2. Learn the symptoms of common illnesses and injuries. You may want to try over-the-counter products for relief and watch the condition. Call your doctor if it does not improve.
   
3. Talk to your regular doctor before you have an emergency. Ask what you should do if you think someone in your family needs emergency care. Should you call the doctor’s office first? Should you go straight to the emergency department? What should you do when the doctor’s office is closed?
   
4. If you have a health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, keep it under control by following your doctor’s order. Learn from your doctor what to do if you have a problem before it becomes an emergency.
   
5. Use an urgent care clinic if you are having a minor health problem but cannot get in to see your doctor. Delaying care will usually makes a problem much worse.
   
6. Trust your instincts. Parents are usually very good at recognizing signs of unusual behavior or other symptoms that indicate an emergency.

Skin Cancer in Las Vegas –
Nevada has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the country. Now that summer is here, the sun is out, and it’s strong - so don’t forget the sunscreen! Experts recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher any time your skin is exposed to the sun’s rays. Sun rays near water – like the lake, or even your pool – are even stronger. So re-apply sunscreen often – especially if you are sweating or getting wet.