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“When I’m Sixty-Four” and If I’m Alone….
Back in 2004, I was between husbands, and in my early 50s. As silly as that may sound ("between husbands"), the truth was, I spent 18 years with that status,...
So What Are You S’Posed to Do With Those Hospital Prices?
In the category of "be careful what you wish for..." Well-meaning policy people have now created a monster. We can name this monster "Good Start," but it's not a very...
The Folly of Driving to the ER
Hugh, a gentleman of about 68 years, lived alone. Hugh wasn't feeling well. It was just a general feeling that something - who knows what? - just wasn't right. After...
What Are Board-Certified Patient Advocates And When Do You Need One?
If you've ever had to navigate the healthcare system on your own, did you wish for an expert by your side? What if you could hire an expert to help...
Did You Get Something That Looks Like a Medicare Card in the Mail?
The envelope says its from Medicare. The card inside looks very official. It's got your name on it, and a bunch of numbers and letters that don't look at all...
Black Box Warnings May Save Your Life
This often comes as a major surprise for patients: that when a prescription drug is known to be effective, and is approved by the FDA for some patients, that doesn't...
No Diagnosis? It May Not Matter
Years ago I watched a movie called Serendipity. It starred Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack. It was a "romcom" - and adorable - and it occurs to me that it...
5 Little Words Save Money on Healthcare
'Tis the season of making health insurance choices, and the nexus of money and healthcare is on our minds. We're focused on making sure we find a policy that covers...
OK, But What’s the Question?
In my previous life as a speaker and writer on patient empowerment issues, I received email, even postal mail (meaning, yes, someone paid for a stamp!) from patients who were...
How To Prepare To Come Home From The Hospital
After a hospitalization, many people can't wait to go home. But going home from the hospital requires planning to make sure you have the support you'll need for a smooth...
How to Take Control of Your Medical Test Results
I'm not sure how it happened, but over the years, my medical appointments and tests all seem to have ended up as summer scheduled dates. Of course that means I'm...
All We Really Need to Know About Getting Good Healthcare, We Learned in Kindergarten
With a nod to Robert Fulghum... As millions of youngsters head off to school, it reminds us that some of the lessons we learned in kindergarten can serve us well...