Surviving AmericanSurviving
American Medicine
In my book Surviving American Medicine and in this blog, I offer a plethora of health tips and advice. The positions I take are my own – not influenced by an organization or elected body. I may come of as negative or a curmudgeon, but that is for a purpose. In the following paragraphs, I’ll explain where I stand regarding the current state of American medicine.
First, I should let you all know that I am pro-patient. I believe every part of the healthcare reform should revolve around you, the patient, and whether you can get good care. All the tips and recommendations I make are designed to help you personally improve your care; my ultimate goal is to help you relate everything you read about healthcare reform to your own needs and problems – to empower you to take control of your own health.
To add to that, I am also pro-doctor. American physicians are world class, highly skilled and effectively trained. However, you have to watch for things that just are not right for you. Doctors change along with medicine: they may have less time to care for their patients, they age and can become less tolerant of patients’ lists of problems, and they have greater responsibilities for documenting your care in the medical record. As a result, you may get less attention than you need. As such, it is essential for you to be extra sensitive to situations where you don’t get what you expect, and complain (nicely) about the under-performance of the doctor’s office.
Next, I would consider myself pro-insurance. Companies have many different kinds of insurance products and policies, offering you as the consumer the ability to shop competitively for the best type of coverage for you. Most insurance companies offer excellent coverage and benefits. But with the changes brought on with the healthcare reform, you have to watch out for situations when your insurance program does not help you the way you expect, or provide you with the service you’re paying for. When you are denied coverage for care that you and your doctor feel are important, when you find out that your doctor is no longer contracted with your health insurance, or when you discover that your hospital is not a provider of services on your insurance, you consider switching insurance programs or policies. At the end of the day, it’s important to find the right health insurance for you. Consider finding a helpful health insurance agent (part of your healthcare team!), and can get advice for selecting the right insurance.
Finally, as absurd as it might sound, I am intensely pro-healthcare in America. Our healthcare is the best in the world, and our healthcare system is usually the best. Unfortunately for some individuals, it might not provide what is needed. Although foreign patients often come here care, you may feel scared or angry that you are not getting the attention and service you need. You should feel good about your own doctor, your insurance, and your healthcare. If you don’t have them already, they are out there waiting for you! For all you need to know to get all you can from the American healthcare system, follow this blog and check out Surviving American Medicine!
