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 […]
Mistakes at the Pharmacy
The pharmacy I use, part of a huge national chain, is busy. Actually, busy is an understatement. Several times I’ve waited on hold on the phone, listening to annoying music, for over an hour. And every time I go there, I grumble to myself, and to anyone nearby willing to listen, that they need more […]
Tips for Hospital Discharges
You might feel both happy and stressed when doctors decide you (or a loved one) can to go home from the hospital. You may feel joy that you will soon be home in your own bed. But you might worry that you feel too sick to go home. Or you might worry that you cannot […]
How to Choose a Nursing Home
Whether a loved one needs temporary care after an illness or injury, or more permanent care, moving a loved one to a nursing home is a difficult decision. Although you might not be able to meet the physical and/or medical needs of a loved one, it’s natural to feel reluctant to take this step. Of […]
Nursing Home Safety Issues
Nursing homes care for people who are too old or sick to care for themselves. They also care for patients after a hospital stay who cannot yet live independently. Deciding to move a loved one to a nursing home is a big, often overwhelming decision. Of course, you want them to be safe and comfortable. […]
The Pros and Cons of Telemedicine
Telemedicine is all over the news right now, due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has dramatically increased its use. But even before this outbreak, telemedicine filled a need for many patients, including those who were geographically isolated, too sick to travel, or without transportation. There are countless other reasons that make traveling to the doctor […]
Patient Safety Concerns for 2020 – Part 2
No one wants their healthcare to make them sicker. And no medical professional wants their patients to get sicker under their care. However, there are some common, potentially dangerous patient safety concerns that you should know about. It was just Patient Safety Awareness Week – a good time to think about patient safety. Although we […]
Patient Safety Risks for 2020
Everyone needs medical care at some point in their lives. And no one wants to be harmed by their healthcare. So, on the heels of Patient Safety Awareness Week, it’s a good time to consider common, dangerous patient safety risks. Of course, you can’t consider patient safety without mentioning the COVID-19 pandemic – a top […]
Reduce Your Risk of Medication Errors
Medications can make you feel better and can save your life. However, medications can also make you sicker – particularly if you take the wrong medication or take a medication differently than your doctor prescribed. Medication errors occur in hospitals, care facilities and at home. Learning how to reduce your risk of medication errors can […]
Medical Errors in Outpatient Settings
There’s been quite a bit in the news lately about medical errors in hospitals. And hospitals are making concerted efforts to reduce errors (although there is still much room for improvement). But you don’t often hear about the dangers patients face in doctor offices, urgent care centers, day surgical centers and even their homes. Do […]