Health literacy

(updated 8/7/20) My rising junior moves into her off-campus apartment in 2 weeks. I have been reflecting on her first move-in day two years ago. Like most freshmen parents, we had spent a lot of time shopping for twin XL sheets, storage bins, a micro-fridge, and various other items to furnish her room away from

*Please note that this article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You should always use your best judgment and the advice of your personal physician or another licensed healthcare professional when deciding when and where to seek medical care.*   Years ago, there were very few options for

It’s hard to believe, but 2018 is almost a wrap! I know this is the season for holiday celebrations, self-reflection, and goal-setting, but as a professional health advocate, I am always thinking about your health. Here are my top 4 healthcare tips as you prepare for 2019.     [bctt tweet=”Tip #1: Schedule your annual

When I had gallbladder surgery 2 years ago, I was a full-time physician working for an academic medical institution in a large metropolitan area. I had great health insurance. I went to the Emergency Department for severe abdominal pain and was in the operating room early the next morning. Thankfully, all went well, and I

My primary care physician (PCP) is an avid user of the patient portal. Within 24 hours of a visit, I receive an email informing me there is a new entry in the portal.  He consistently updates the portal with a summary of my visit. If labs were obtained, he enters the results and includes a

One of the many things that irks me about our healthcare system is the fact that it is so unnecessarily complicated. If you become ill and need to spend the night in the hospital, the last thing you should have to worry about is your admission status. However, you do need to worry about it.

In Part 1 of this series, we learned that individuals are responsible for an increasing proportion of their health care costs. We also learned that there are numerous barriers that prevent one from comparison shopping for health care, including a lack of cost transparency, significant variability in cost between facilities, limited health literacy, and concerns

Are you a comparison shopper? When purchasing a pair of shoes, a washing machine, or a new car, do you browse various online sites in search of the best price? A December 2016 Pew Research study revealed that eight in ten American consumers shop online and that the primary reason is the ability to compare

If you have insurance through your job, your open enrollment season has likely ended and you have chosen (actively or passively) a health insurance plan for 2018. Congratulations! Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment season is winding down and I am sick and tired of reviewing insurance plans. My husband and I have less than

Part 3 of a 3-Part Series in recognition of Health Literacy Month   I’m the parent of a strong-willed, teenaged daughter. Since she was a very young child, she’s always wanted to know the “why” behind just about everything, including the many directives issued by me and her dad. While this can sometimes be exasperating,