In last week’s post, I covered the differences in healthcare and health outcomes for people based on their gender, race, income and sexuality. Today’s post addresses the question: Why isn’t healthcare the same for everyone? It’s a complicated problem. Equality in healthcare is a complicated problem because there are many factors that influence the quality […]
Your Gender or Race Can Impact Your Healthcare. So Can Your Income or Sexuality.
Sometimes life is just not fair. People are not treated equally. You might not know it, but who you are can impact your health and your healthcare. Your gender or race can impact your healthcare. So can your income or sexuality. What’s the story? This is the first of a 2-part series on this topic. Next […]
How Do You Find a New Doctor You Can Trust?
Everyone wants, and deserves, a qualified doctor with whom they can have a good partnership. You may be looking for a doctor due to a move or the need for a new specialist. Or you might be searching for a new doctor because you are unhappy with your current doctor for any number of reasons […]
When Is It Time to Change Doctors? Part 3.
This is the 3rd and final post answering the question: when is it time to change doctors? Having a positive relationship with each of your doctors, participating in the decision-making process, and trusting your doctor can all help you get the best healthcare possible. There are some issues that should lead you to look for […]
When Is It Time To Change Doctors? Part 2.
This is the second post covering issues with your doctor that could lead you to fire your doctor and look for a replacement. Nobody is perfect, doctors included. If your doctor is incompetent, doesn’t listen to you, and/or treats you rudely, it’s time for a new doctor. But what if the issues you have with […]
When Is It Time To Change Doctors? Part 1.
Many, if not all of us, have at some point been at least a little bit annoyed or frustrated with a doctor. Perhaps your doctor ignored your complaints or rushed you through an appointment. Maybe the doctor isn’t capable of handling your care. Or maybe the staff was rude or you never heard back about […]
Steps Hospital Patients Can Take to Resolve Problems
When you or a loved one are in the hospital, you are likely to be overwhelmed and exhausted. Physical symptoms, a lack of sleep, and uncertainty about the future are all hard to withstand. What can make all of this even harder to tolerate? Difficult relationships with your medical team, confusion regarding treatment options, financial […]
How Can You Get the Best Healthcare? Actively Participate!
I was surprised to learn recently that a large percent 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. When passive patients do not engage in their own healthcare, their health may […]
Is a DNR a Good Idea for You or a Loved One?
I know that I don’t want machines to keep me alive for months or years if I am in a coma or vegetative state. And if I am at the end of my life, suffering with no chance of getting better, I don’t want radical medical interventions that will prolong my suffering. I am guessing […]
Top Safety Concerns for Patients
Each year ECRI Institute* creates a list of the 10 top patient safety concerns to support healthcare organizations in their efforts to proactively identify and respond to patient safety hazards. Patients and family caregivers can use this information to be better informed – knowing what hazards are lurking can help us avoid being a victim. Don’t ignore these top […]