I’ve been shouting this message from my rooftop for years* – patients who communicate effectively and actively engage in their care have better outcomes and a reduced risk of medical errors. However, for hospitalized patients, this can be tricky. Ideally, doctors would include patients and/or family members in their daily “rounds” conversations. But, not all hospitals […]
Archive | Communicating with Your Healthcare Team
Five Benefits of Telemedicine
Perhaps there is no specialist near you who can treat your condition. Maybe you are frail and weak, and therefore can’t manage a trip to the doctor’s office. Or, perhaps you don’t have transportation, can’t find affordable transportation, can’t get out of work, or have caregiving responsibilities. There are countless reasons that make traveling to […]
Should you Speak Up if You Think Your Doctor is Wrong? YES!
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, […]
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. Why is this important? Because your health can suffer if you don’t engage in […]
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?
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 negatively impact the quality of the doctor-patient interaction during appointments. […]
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, urgent 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 […]