When it’s time to schedule a medical appointment or procedure, it’s natural to try to book a time that is convenient for you. Maybe you prefer first thing in the morning. Or right after work. I try to get the first appointment after the doctor’s lunch break. Although convenience is nothing to scoff at, it […]
Archive | Managing Healthcare
Communication Gap Among Doctors
Do you see specialists? Do you use urgent care clinics? Have you been hospitalized? In all of these scenarios, doctors other than your primary care doctor provide care. Do you realize that your primary care doctor does not always receive information from these other providers? Clearly, it’s beneficial for your primary care doctor know how […]
Understanding Medical Information Is Harder Than Most Realize
“You don’t know what you don’t know.” It might be a tired adage, but it really applies to navigating the medical world. Certainly, you need to understand health information for the best chance of a good outcome. But understanding medical information is harder than most realize. One’s ability to understand health information is formally called […]
Electronic Health Records Add to Doctors’ Stress
It has become a common sight – doctors with their laptops or tablets, conversing with patients while navigating through EHRs (Electronic Health Records), searching and typing. Does the widespread use of Electronic Health Records add to doctors’ stress? EHRs have certainly impacted the type of interactions we have with our doctors. Do EHRs make it […]
Electronic Health Records Problems
We’re all accustomed to seeing our doctors use their computer or tablet during appointments and in the hospital since electronic health records (EHRs) are widely used. Is this a good development? Is the information in EHRs accurate? Do EHRs add to doctor stress, potentially impacting care? Although there are clear advantages of EHRs, there are […]
Smartphones as Medical Devices
We love our smartphones. Probably too much. It’s hard for me to roam around my house, never mind leave, without my smartphone. We rely on them for a wide range of functions, from email and internet access to banking and restaurant reviews. But now a new era is here, and our smartphones are used as medical […]
Is There Gender Bias in Medicine?
As much as we’d like to believe otherwise, men and women are not treated equally. According to the ACLU, “ongoing struggles include ensuring equal economic opportunities, educational equity, and an end to gender-based violence.” But did you know that women are more likely to be misdiagnosed? Or that women may not receive the most effective […]
How to Choose a Skilled Nursing Facility
In last week’s post, I discussed how to decide where a patient should recover after a hospital stay. Often patients go home after discharge, but sometimes patients need to recover in skilled nursing facilities. Today’s post covers how to choose a skilled nursing facility so you, or your loved one, can get the best care […]
Where to Recover After the Hospital?
If you (or a loved one) are preparing for a discharge from the hospital, it’s not always obvious where to go to recover. Most of us prefer to go to our own homes, with our comfortable beds, our favorite foods, and with friends and family nearby. However, that is not always an option. If you […]
Help with the Stress of Caregiving
Here’s a job listing few people would get excited about: 20-100+ hours a week with no pay. Applicant must put the needs of others above their own needs, have physical strength for heavy lifting, a strong stomach to handle bodily fluids, limited or no desire to get outside, an upbeat attitude, ability to thrive with […]