Sometimes my best contribution to the topic of the dysfunction of the American health care system has more to do with asking questions that can’t be answered than providing answers. Remember — I’m not a medical professional. I’m simply an empowered patient who reflects on this dysfunction daily. This week there was a sudden flurry […]
Kids, Colds and Bad Assumptions Read More »
You know I’m a fan of Jerome Groopman, the author of How Doctors Think. In his incredibly eye-opening book, he tells of trying to get a correct diagnosis for his own health problem, and the fact that four doctors had four different diagnoses for him, and four differing ideas of how to treat it. As
One Woman, 6 Missed Diagnoses, A Lesson for Us All Read More »
Heard again today from my friend Tom. Previously, I shared the saga of his need for specialized heart surgery, his battle with his health insurance company for permission, and the need for prayers as he finally underwent his surgery in Cleveland. Good news! Tom’s home, and doing so well that he’s arguing with his neighbor!
Tom – Another Update Read More »
I’ve been asked for weeks to weigh in on the SCHIP bill (State Children’s Health Insurance Program.) I had to give it some thought because I just couldn’t fathom that there could be any opposition without some good reason. So I’ve read commentary by President Bush, commentary by John McCain, coverage by CNN, Fox and
Bush, Congress and SCHIP: Remember, Children Will Vote Someday Read More »
I’ve talked before about blamers and fixers. Here’s a way of looking at that concept that may make you a wiser patient. One of the big questions about medical mistakes is whether practitioners should own up to them. Until recently, doctors were highly discouraged from admitting any kinds of problems had taken place, whether it
How Apologies Lead to Fixing Read More »
(*Everything You Ever Wanted to Know!) About Healthcare Costs I just came across this interesting website to share with you called Out of Pocket It’s a good attempt at transparency — the real costs of healthcare — as they relate to the costs of individual services, tests, doctor visits, insurance, treatments, etc. If you’re willing
EYEWTK* About Healthcare Costs Read More »
For the past four weeks, listeners of my radio show have heard a series of tips I’ve given about PHRs – personal health records. The underlying message has been: keeping your personal records in digital format can be a good thing. But do not — under any circumstances — move them to the web! No
Microsoft offers Health Vault – Don’t Do It! Read More »
For the past four weeks, listeners of my radio show have heard a series of tips I’ve given about PHRs – personal health records. The underlying message has been: keeping your personal records in digital format can be a good thing. But do not — under any circumstances — move them to the web! No
Microsoft offers Health Vault – Don’t Do It! Read More »
