I was surprised to learn recently that a large percentage of patients are “passive spectators” of their own healthcare. Passive patients rely on their doctor’s experience and knowledge. As a result, they “sit back” and let the experience happen to them. Why is this important? Because your health can suffer if you don’t engage in […]
The Benefits of Concierge Medicine
Have you ever felt that your primary care doctor doesn’t have time to adequately care for you? Or do you feel that he/she doesn’t really know you? Do you hate sitting in waiting rooms while your doctor finishes up with other patients? If so, you are not alone. Primary care doctors are busy! Most primary […]
How to Choose a Hospital for Cancer Treatment
Hearing a cancer diagnosis is one of the scariest moments you can experience. I know. It happened to us in 2005 when our teenage son was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. Everyone with cancer wants the best chance for a good outcome. How can you increase your chances of a good outcome? Choose a […]
Can Ethnicity and Race Impact Cancer Survival?
By zaggocare on June 15, 2020 in Managing Healthcare, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A cancer diagnosis is scary for everyone. For many of us, it’s our worst fear. Clearly, we worry about the prognosis and the potentially hard treatments that lay ahead. What we shouldn’t have to worry about is how our race or ethnicity could impact our chance of having a positive outcome. But it looks fairly […]
The Importance of Shared Decision Making
Whether you are dealing with a new medical condition, or one that is progressing, it is important to take the lead role in your medical team. Historically, a doctor would tell you your diagnosis and course of treatment, and you would do your best to follow the doctor’s orders. Fortunately, times have changed, and most […]
Tips for Getting Copies of Your Medical Records
Whether you have a complicated illness, or receive routine care, your health history is a crucial part of your health puzzle. If you are seeing a new doctor or moving to a new location, getting copies of your medical records is key to receiving good medical care. Of course, you want each of your doctors […]
It’s Important to Be Honest with Your Doctors
Everybody is guilty of a few white lies now and then. Telling your aunt that you love her new haircut is a good deed. And telling your host you love the chicken is the right thing to do, even when it tastes odd. In fact, these little lies help make the world a little bit […]
Can you Trust Medical Information Online?
Would you ask a fellow shopper at the grocery store why you have pain when you breathe? Would you ask your car mechanic what kind of surgery you should have to fix a heart condition? Of course not! Although many of us seek advice from family, friends, colleagues and sometimes even strangers, it’s not necessarily […]
10 Tips for Avoiding Medication Issues After a Hospital Stay
When you (or a loved one) go home from the hospital, there is a lot to keep track of, including medications. Although it’s vital for patients to stick to their medication regimens upon discharge, many patients have medication issues after a hospital stay. It seems like it would be easy to stay on track with […]
How Safe are Surgery Centers?
The thought of surgery, or any invasive procedure, is scary for most people. And hospitals can be intimidating places, with infections and other dangers lurking. Add to that the high costs of hospital procedures and a possible long drive. It’s no wonder that more and more patients are choosing surgery centers. But what about the […]