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 »
I’ve been meaning to set this up for awhile — a Forum where readers of this blog, my columns, and others who are interested in asking questions or sharing their two cents would be able to do so. The Every Patient’s Advocate Forum is now online — and waiting for you to join in the
It’s YOUR Turn to Participate Read More »
I’m proud of my husband and the reason holds a good lesson for us all…. Over the past six months or so, our experiences with our family doctor’s practice have been less than acceptable. First, Hubby contacted their “prescription refill hotline” about three weeks before his arthritis prescription ran out. He needed a new prescription
Doctor Hunt: Practicing What I Preach Read More »
CNN’s Empowered Patient, Elizabeth Cohen, provided more tips this week about what to do if you think you’ve been misdiagnosed. My own misdiagnosis speaks to four of her five points — and if you have just a seed of a doubt about whether your doctor has diagnosed you correctly, please take Elizabeth’s advice. Here are
CNN and Misdiagnosis: Part II Read More »
Last week I told you about my email pal, Tom, who fought valiantly with his health insurance company to get clearance for specialized heart surgery. Tom won permission — and his surgery was performed last Wednesday. I received an email last night — from the man himself — and he tells me he made it
Tom: A Progress Report Read More »
Now that I’ve captured your attention, a bit of a disclaimer. I’m not about to blog about Roe vs Wade — no way — not a chance. Today’s thoughts revolve around patients and their choice of doctors. Or their choice of treatment options. Or their choice of whether they want to choose. Or their choice
All Patients Should be Pro-Choice Read More »
(A Note: I’ve actually started this post a few times, but then I have to grab another tissue, wipe away my tears, and start again…. this is the face of post traumatic stress…. so bear with me, please….) At least a dozen people have sent me links to what ABC called “A Lecture of a
Dr. Pausch on Life – and PTSD Read More »
