health care and cost management
How To Protect Yourself From Dangerous Drug Interactions
Millions of people take multiple medications. But too often, drug interactions cause harm and even death. These interactions are preventable, but you may need to enlist an advocate to prevent errors.
Read MoreHow To Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard In Healthcare
It can be hard to use your voice to express your needs and preferences. But in healthcare, it’s essential that you do. Professional advocates can help.
Read MoreSometimes the Doctor IS Wrong: How to Avoid Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis. This topic is very personal. In fact, over the years I have been affected by PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) because of a misdiagnosis that I experienced. But because it’s so personal, I may be the best person to share this lesson with you. My name is Trisha Torrey. Thirteen years ago this week,…
Read MoreHere – Let Us Help You Pay Us Way Too Much!
Just when you think you’ve heard it all…. Now hospitals are “helping” their patients with finances, too. If you don’t give that much thought, then it seems like a great idea. “We recognize you owe us more money than you can afford, Mr. Johnson. So we’re going to help you figure out how to pay…
Read More“Do Not Quote Me”
A few years ago I was at a picnic with a friend who is an orthopedist. The question was raised about whether advice given by doctors is always in the best interests of the patient. “Do not quote me,” was how he began his reply. At least that alerted me that he would give an…
Read MoreMy Sibling Has Disabilities, My Parents Have Died – Now What?
This is such a difficult scenario, yet it happens every day. A child, perhaps mentally or physically disabled from birth, or one who might have suffered an accident earlier in life, grows into adulthood, having been cared for by very loving parents who did everything they could possibly do to care for their child. As…
Read MoreThe Dangers of Having Great Health Insurance
On occasion, in a conversation with new acquaintance, they’ll ask me what I do for a living. I tell them I established and run the most comprehensive directory of independent, private health and patient advocates and care managers online, supported by a marvelous professional organization whose members populate the directory. “Independent and private?” they ask…
Read MoreWill the Waiter Spit In Your Soup?
You’ve heard this fear before – that if you are too demanding of your waiter, or challenge him or her in any way, then he might spit in your soup as a form of revenge. Unfortunately, too many of us think the same of our doctors. As if, if we are difficult patients, then the…
Read MoreHow to Juggle Long Distance Elder Care
With families living far apart, many people feel squeezed been the needs of their aging parents and their responsibilities closer to home. But you can get help to manage long distance elder care.
Read MoreAre Health or Patient Advocate Services Covered by Insurance?
This is a question I get asked frequently: If I hire a patient or health advocate, will my insurance cover the cost? The answer might surprise you. It’s yes – and it’s no – as follows, depending on who your advocate works for: There are patient advocates who work for hospitals and insurance companies –…
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