Tag Archives: doctors

Protect yourself from healthcare tunnel vision

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

healthcare tunnel visionToo many specialists

Our healthcare system is like an inverted pyramid.

Rather than having a strong base of primary care doctors—family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics—and a decreasing number of specialists, we have more and more specialists and a dwindling number of primary care docs.

Roughly two thirds of our doctors are specialists. And subspecialists. And sub-subspecialists.

Why is that a problem?

One, because specialists cost more money, which adds … read on

What I learned from my atypical Spitz nevus

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

atypical spitz nevusOverdiagnosis of melanoma

I learned two things from a recent journey into the healthcare system:

  1. Melanomas are overdiagnosed; and
  2. Always discuss cost with your physician.

I’ll explain.

Earlier this summer I shared that I had a small mole removed from my leg. I didn’t like the look of it, so I thought it prudent to have it checked out.

I had to wait almost a month for an answer, because … read on

“Brain on Fire” – A diagnostic odyssey

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Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness

I wrote this post two years ago, but the movie is now available on Netflix. It’s worth watching, although the book goes into much more detail so I definitely recommend you read it, too, if you like medical mysteries. FN

As a twenty-something cub reporter in New York, Ms. Cahalan began experiencing strange, seemingly unconnected symptoms, such as forgetfulness, paranoia and the sensation … read on

“Slow Medicine” – One size doesn’t fit all

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

slow medicineWhen did medicine become “healthcare”?

I recently read Slow Medicine: The Way to Healing by Victoria Sweet, MD.

The book’s introduction captured my attention immediately. In it, Dr. Sweet describes the downward spiral her elderly father suffered when he was admitted to a hospital.

At 90-something he was in pretty good health; in an ironic turn, the hospital almost killed him with unnecessary diagnostic tests and prescription drugs.

Even though … read on

Tips to handle or avoid surprise medical bills

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surprise medical billsSurprise medical bills can catch you by, well, surprise

Bottom line on top: If you’re the victim of a surprise medical bill, there are resources to help you.

After several years of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many of us are resigned to high premiums, high deductibles and small provider networks.

We try to be good healthcare “consumers” (as if we really want to buy healthcare!) by reading the fine … read on

Living well with a serious illness

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living well with serious illness“Life After the Diagnosis”

Last week one of my family members was diagnosed with a serious illness.

My niece, a physician in San Francisco, recommended a book written by one of her colleagues: Life After the Diagnosis: Expert Advice on Living Well with Serious Illness for Patients and Caregivers.

I immediately bought myself a copy, too. (If you’ve followed my blog, you know I’m an advocate of hospice, palliative care … read on

How to communicate better with your doctor

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

communicate better with your doctorEven doctors have trouble—if they’re the patient

If you like reading books about medical mysteries and hospital disasters, then you’ll love In Shock: My Journey from Death to Recovery and the Redemptive Power of Hope, by Dr. Rana Awdish.

In short, Dr. Awdish, an ICU physician, ends up a patient in her own ICU. Her story is a beautifully written, but horrific, page-turner. We see her as a vulnerable … read on

Unnecessary medical procedures cost more than money

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unnecessary medical proceduresHave you had unnecessary medical procedures?

If you see a physician on a regular basis and always follow his or her advice regarding routine screening tests or common diagnostic tests for minor illnesses, the answer is probably YES.

I just finished reading a new report published in my state (Washington) about the extent and cost of these unnecessary medical procedures.

This is a problem I’ve posted about before. Many … read on

Can telemedicine save you money?

Frugal Nurse Posted on by

telemedicineI’ve been reading that more patients are using telemedicine this flu season, which is great. It can not only save you money, but keep you home where you’re comfortable and not spreading germs to others. This post was originally published May 2016, but I’ve updated the information. 

Time is money

Maybe you have affordable health insurance and a doctor you like.

But have you ever had the experience of calling … read on

What’s up? New blood pressure guidelines

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new blood pressure guidelinesTarget BPs are much lower

Last week the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiologists (ACC) published new guidelines in the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure.

What are the new numbers and what do they mean?

Many people will be surprised to find out they now have “elevated” high blood pressure, which could be a reading as low as 120/70, or Stage 1 hypertension at … read on