Please note that this column first appeared in the Syracuse Post Standard October 11, 2011 ……………………………….. In the “old” days, we could phone for a primary care doctor’s appointment in the morning, be seen right away, spend enough time with the doctor, leave with a treatment plan, and usually feel better within a day or […]
A Dose of Reality – Today’s Doctor Appointment Read More »
Please note that this column first appeared in the Syracuse Post Standard on September 27, 2011 ……………………………….. In my last column I shared an open letter to our local hospitals which resulted from my review of their most recent “report cards.” These report cards score hospitals on their quality of service and safety records. Despite
Choosing a Safer Hospital Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard August 30, 2011) A few years ago, I changed primary care doctors. The one I left had good credentials. Over the span of a few years and several visits, she had seemed competent and was friendly. But on my final visit, there had been a change that caused
Don’t Let Your Medical Test Results Fall Through the Cracks Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard August 16, 2011) Recently I was chosen to participate in a new writing project. There were some basic details and responsibilities I was expected to agree to, including a specific number of articles, average number of words, and some other typical expectations. I was given a contract to
Informed Consent Requires Clarity – Do You Have It? Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard August 2, 2011) Recently a series of videos appeared on a doctor education website, attempting to teach doctors how to deal with difficult patients. One of the videos was entitled, “The Patient Who Knows Too Much.” That video sparked a heated debate among empowered patients and professionals. Can
Can Patients Know Too Much? Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post StandardJuly 19, 2011) When you must cope with a medical problem or manage a chronic illness, you’ll find you have a variety of challenges and questions. For clinical, medical questions, your most trusted resource should be your doctor. But when it comes to everyday management of your illness or
Find Support From Other Patients Read More »
This is a bit of a diversion from my usual patient empowerment topics, but I hope you’ll find it of interest. Definitely seems worth sharing. It’s an Ode to the Bettys – two women I have long admired. They never met each other, but they shared a name, and yes – they are (kinda sorta)
Tributes to the Bettys – Mom and Betty Ford Read More »
(as published in the Syracuse Post Standard July 5, 2011) Seven years ago this week, I found a golf ball sized lump on my torso that changed the course of my life. After its removal, I was diagnosed with a rare, terminal form of lymphoma. Subsequently I determined I didn’t really have lymphoma. That was
July – a Potentially Dangerous Time for Healthcare Read More »
