Become an Informed Consumer
Take Responsibility for Your Health
Be proactive in your family's health care. You have some control over many health conditions through your own lifestyle choices. Don't wait until you have a medical emergency to learn about your health plan coverage.
Plan Ahead
Learn how to select a health plan that meets your needs before you become ill or need medical services. Select doctors and hospitals you trust. Check that they will work with your insurance company and are reasonably priced.
Be Knowledgeable
If possible, learn about your health insurance plan or medical benefits before you become pregnant. Many companies offer several insurance plans such as preferred provider organizations (PPOs) or health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Each plan differs in what it covers, its limits of coverage, and the rules that apply to the plan. Learn more about the quality and cost of health plans in Utah.
Explore Options
Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from pneumonia.
- Pneumonia is preventable. Read more…
- Consider getting a "flu" shot. You can receive a flu shot at many locations around Utah. Find one by using the Utah Department of Health's Flu Vaccine Locator.
- Learn who is at risk for pneumonia. Read more…
- Know the signs and symptoms of pneumonia. Read more…
- If you or a loved one has symptoms of pneumonia, see your doctor right away. Read more…
- The best treatment depends on what kind of pneumonia you or a loved one has. Read more…
Know your personal and family medical history.
- The Utah Department of Health provides an easy-to-use Family Health History Toolkit so you can get started today.
- Know your rights and responsibilities as a patient.
- Know the rules of your insurance plan before you use medical services.
Be Informed
Learn about your own and your family's illnesses. Consider yourself a partner in your care and treatment.
- Talk with family members about the kind of treatment you or they would want for pneumonia.
- If you and your family decide on do not resuscitate orders or end of life care, discuss this with your doctor and the hospital. Be sure they support your wishes. Read more…
- If possible, take care of legal documents before you or a family member has pneumonia. The Department of Aging and Adult Services provides free copies of Living Will and Power of Attorney for Health Care (Advance Directives) forms.
Speak Up
No one knows more about you than you do! Tell your doctor about your symptoms and what you think may be causing them. Ask what types of treatments are available and why your health care professionals are suggesting one treatment rather than another.
Don't avoid the doctor. Keep your doctor informed of your personal and family medical history. Keep your physical exams up to date, especially if you have risk factors.
If You Need Treatment
Follow medication directions. If you are prescribed medications, take them exactly as directed. Maintain open discussion with your doctor about medications that might be beneficial to you if you discover arising problems. For helpful advice, read some quick tips to follow whenever filling a prescription. Also order a free Medication Management Checkbook, so you and your doctor or pharmacist can keep track of the medication you are taking --- courtesy of the Utah Department of Health.