Americans pay more for most medications than most countries. The power of the pharmaceutical lobbies is a topic for another day. But the consequences are real for every American, whether using private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, other insurance or paying out-of-pocket. A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with a type of adult-onset asthma. After three…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After four years of suffering and multiple misdiagnosis, medical mystery is solved. Emma’s pain began four years ago, with a sudden, sharp pain in her neck. By the time she contacted Patient Navigator, she had spent many thousands of dollars seeking a diagnosis for the unrelenting pain and troubling symptoms that had worsened steadily over…
Starting the end-of-life conversation. Nick’s wife had been very ill with an incurable disease for five years. She had begun to ask about end-of life options, especially hospice and palliative care. Patient Navigator provided Nick and his wife with useful information that they could use to begin a family conversation. We suggested local palliative care…