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 others we interact with, when it […]
Archive | Managing Healthcare
How to Choose Between an ER, Urgent Care and Retail Clinic.
When you or a loved one is sick or injured, where should you go for medical care? Your primary care doctor? The emergency room (ER)? A retail clinic at your local pharmacy or big box store or an urgent care center? With so many options for care, it can be hard to know which is […]
Can you Trust a Nurse Practitioner? Yes!
Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide care in doctors’ offices and hospitals throughout the US. You might have an NP whom you see on a regular basis, or you might see an NP when your doctor’s schedule is booked solid. Can you trust a nurse practitioner to provide high quality care? Do they know what they are […]
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 […]
ZaggoCare – The Most Helpful Gift for Patients and Families
Whether you are the patient, loving family member or dear friend, dealing with a serious medical condition is overwhelming and stressful. Because it’s hard, and scary, it’s tempting to bury your head in the sand. However, you absolutely cannot just sit back and let others manage your care. You must be the master of your […]
Should You Travel Abroad For Medical Care?
Flying to a foreign country for a vacation full of adventure is a dream come true for many Americans. For some people, the more exotic the location, the better. It’s great to see new sites, try new foods, hear new languages. Would it also be great to get a new knee while you’re away? Traveling […]
Do You Know What Kinds of Preventive Care You Need?
Whether you are dealing with a serious health condition or consider yourself healthy, it’s very important to keep up with your doctor’s recommendations for preventive care. Do you know what kinds of preventive care you need? Are you diligent about scheduling all the necessary tests and care? If you’re like most of Americans, the answer […]
Why Isn’t Healthcare The Same for Everyone?
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 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 […]