Hearing Loss Help Is Often Out of Reach
Approximately 17 percent (36 million) of American adults report some degree of hearing loss. Yet audiological services and hearing aids are rarely covered by insurance.
The Patient Navigator Blog
From advice on specific illnesses to tips on how to communicate with your specialists, there’s a wealth of knowledge on the Patient Navigator blog.
Recent Posts
Cancer Cell Self-Cannibalism
Cancer research continues to yield exciting breakthroughs as scientists learn more about the molecular and biological activity of cancer cells. Autophagy is one example.
Health Literacy Spotlight
Only 12% of Americans have proficient health literacy skills, so the majority of adults may have difficulty completing routine health tasks like understanding discharge instructions or diabetes care. There is a strong, independent association between health literacy and health outcomes.
Pain Management – Why Doctors Don’t Get It
There are multiple problems with regard to pain management in the United States, including a puritanical history that has contempt for suffering and enormous misunderstanding about pain management and addiction.
When Lightning Strikes
I received the news last week – two more friends have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I cried. This is the fourth friend in less than two years that has been diagnosed with cancer – a diagnosis that is frightening, life-altering and potentially life-ending. This isn’t fair. Why is this happening? These are all…
When Women Should Seek a Second Opinion
Women, in particular, are sometimes reluctant to seek a second opinion. Learn how and when a second opinion can be life-saving.
Back Pain Help Comes in Many Forms
Yoga, pilates, chiropractic care and acupuncture offer natural therapies for back pain. Surgery may end up being necessary, but the patient should explore these alternative other options first.
Holiday Grieving – My Tips for Survival
Many people experience depression during the holiday season. Now imagine trying to face it when you are grieving the loss of a loved one. It is very hard. It is painful. It is unbearably sad. Here are my own tips on how to get through the holidays if you are grieving.
Make the Most of Your Prescription Drug Plan
When choosing a health insurance plan, it’s just as important to make sure the medicines you take regularly are covered as it is to know that your doctor is covered. Selecting the right prescription coverage for you and your family is important to maintaining and restoring your health while managing costs. For those without drug insurance, there are many organizations that can help.
Taking Care of You
Doctors and other members of the health-care team should regularly assess a patient’s emotional and social needs, and then ensure that the patient is linked to appropriate resources. In reality, though, most do not have the time or staff resources to manage the psycho-social needs of a seriously ill person. Our roadmap series weaves together for you a coherent approach to managing your situation so that you can focus on treatment, healing and recovery.
Evaluate Health Information on the Internet
Avoiding information overload and finding credible, reliable information is difficult. Internet content is not regulated, so you need to be a knowledgeable consumer when you are searching for information about cancer or other diseases. Consider the following questions when viewing health information websites:
Defensive Medicine Costs Spelled Out
The practice of defensive medicine decreases patient access to health care, and increases costs of health care for everyone. Some patients are left in the lurch as physicians avoid the sickest patients, or those requiring higher-risk procedures, in order to reduce their exposure to malpractice suits. A 2008 study by the Massachusetts Medical Society found that 83% of its physicians practiced defensive medicine at a cost of more than $1.4 billion annually in that state alone.
Protected: Stay Safe in the Hospital
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Manage Your Medical Records
You must learn to be your own best health care advocate. Like it or not, a big part of effectively managing your health care is organizing your medical records. Whether you wish to seek a second opinion or enroll in a clinical trial, being prepared is essential.
Organize Your Financial Records
You have stacks of medical reports, bills, insurance statements, claim forms, and payment records piling up and causing you stress. Piles of disorganized paper (and electronic records) can surely intimidate any patient. If you ignore the paper, you might not take necessary medical actions or you could fail to maximize your insurance benefits. This roadmap will help you must organize these important documents into a user-friendly system.
Find Financial and Practical Assistance
This Roadmap is divided into four sections: Finding Assistance for Medicine and Treatment; Finding Assistance for Practical Needs; Finding Assistance with Benefits or Entitlements; Websites We Like.
Choosing Your Primary Care Doctor
Your goal is to choose a primary care doctor who will meet your needs and give you quality care. This roadmap will also be useful in choosing any specialists you might need. Primary care doctors are especially trained to serve as your main doctor over the long term. They provide your medical and health care, help you stay healthy, and help to manage your care. Your primary care doctor can refer you to specialists if you need them. Learn how to choose one…
Develop Your Treatment Plan
It’s not uncommon to assume that your physician’s recommended cancer treatment must begin immediately. You’re probably feeling anxious and want treatment to start right away. You want to rid your body of this cancer as soon as possible. However, it is important to know that in most cases, there is time to research the treatment options available to you.
Cast a Wide Net; Explore Your Resources
Undergoing treatment for a serious illness is emotionally draining, expensive, uncertain, and it will almost surely turn your life upside down. Chances are that you will face obstacles and need assistance. Whether that help comes in the form of finding medical information, financial assistance, or emotional support, it’s important to know where you can receive trusted information and guidance.
Caregiving Connections
Caregiving for a friend or loved one can be a life-changing experience on many levels. It may mean putting your own life on hold and it may become all-consuming. It might bring joy and quality time with your loved one, or it may bring heartache and despair at the course of events. Studies show that women are the majority of caregivers in this country, often caring for an aging parent and small children at the same time.
Hospital Infections – Stay Safe!
Preventing hospital infections: 1) Wash hands with soap; 2) Clean patient’s skin with antiseptic; 3) put sterile drapes over entire patient; 4) Wear a sterile mask, gown, hat and gloves; 5) put a sterile dressing over the catheter site. Many hospitals fail this test.
When Should Seniors Stop Driving?
One of the central aspects of American culture is independence. When a person can no longer drive safely, he or she loses a huge degree of that independence. Proper preparation and discussion can help ease the process.
“Standing Strong – Our Living Framework”
Lifestyle choices, especially diet and physical activity, are responsible for up to 50% of bone mass and structure. Everyone can make good choices to build strong bones and it’s never too late.
Informed Consent: Your Rights and Responsibility
Every person has the right to fully participate in decisions regarding his or her own health care. This legal doctrine is called the right to informed consent. As a patient or caregiver, you have the right and responsibility to obtain as much information as you need to be able to commit to a course of treatment or testing process.
