Would you speak up if a waiter brought you a hamburger, but you ordered fish? Would you speak up if the bagger at the grocery store put cans of soup on top of a loaf of bread in your bag? I am guessing that most of us would speak up in these circumstances. After all, […]
Archive | Communicating with Your Healthcare Team
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 […]
What’s a Health Information Exchange and How Does it Help Patients?
By zaggocare on March 5, 2018 in Communicating with Your Healthcare Team, Managing Healthcare, Trends in Healthcare
Doctors need complete patient information to make informed treatment decisions. Most doctors use Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to record notes during and after appointments, and to keep digital records of patient-related care, including test results. Digital records have many advantages over paper records but are far from perfect. EHRs are time consuming for doctors and can […]
Learn a Lesson From Serena Williams: Trust Your Instincts When it Comes to Your Health
By zaggocare on February 26, 2018 in Communicating with Your Healthcare Team, Medical Errors, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Speaking up can reduce your risk of a misdiagnosis! Have you ever felt that your doctor isn’t listening to you? Have you had your concerns brushed aside? Are you wondering how you can reduce your risk of a misdiagnosis? It happens in doctors’ offices, emergency departments and hospital rooms – patients have a sense of […]
Outpatient Medical Errors: Patient Safety Concerns Are Not Only for Hospitals.
By zaggocare on February 5, 2018 in Communicating with Your Healthcare Team, Managing Healthcare, Medical Errors
Do you know how to reduce your risk of medical errors at your doctor’s office? There’s been quite a bit in the news the past few years about safety in hospitals. Yet you don’t hear about the dangers patients face in doctor offices, ambulatory care centers, day surgical centers and even their homes. Do you […]
New Trends in Healthcare: Uber vs Ambulance, EMT Care in Your Home, Tablets for Hospital Patients
By zaggocare on January 15, 2018 in Caregiving, Communicating with Your Healthcare Team, Managing Healthcare, Trends in Healthcare
This is the 2nd post in my 4 part series on new trends in healthcare. Today’s post covers Uber instead of an ambulance, EMT care in your home, and tablets for hospital patients. To read the other posts in this series: Telehealth and medical scribes Concierge doctors and “smart” hospitals Personal tracking devices and digital pills […]
New Trends in Healthcare: Telehealth, Medical Scribes
By zaggocare on January 8, 2018 in Communicating with Your Healthcare Team, Managing Healthcare, Trends in Healthcare
Healthcare, like every other industry, is always changing. What kinds of changes will we see in the coming years? Today’s post covers telehealth and medical scribes. To read the other posts in this 4-part series: Uber vs ambulances, EMT care in your home and tablets for hospital patients Concierge doctors and “smart” hospitals Personal tracking […]
6 Tips to Better Manage Your Healthcare for 2018
By zaggocare on January 2, 2018 in Caregiving, Communicating with Your Healthcare Team, Managing Healthcare, Medications, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Now that 2018 is here, it’s a good time to focus on how to better manage your healthcare. Here are six tips to better manage your healthcare to get the best outcome possible for yourself or a loved one. Prepare for Medical Appointments! Doctors see patients in time limited slots, with both parties often feeling rushed. […]
Majority of Doctors Have Been Treated Rudely by Patients
Patients are biased against doctors. Treating others the way you would like to be treated is a wise way to behave, even if you are sick, worried and/or exhausted. It makes sense that you will have a better relationship with your doctor, or other healthcare professional, if you are nice to him/her. After all, medical […]