Sadly, many people have not recognized the need to empower themselves when it comes to being their own advocate. In the case of many boomers we are finding it more and more necessary to advocate on behalf of one, or both, parents.
To think that a patient doesn't need an advocate is akin to the Ostrich with its head stuck in the sand. You may not notice there's a problem, but it's there nonetheless.
So what can be done?
Author Lorene Burkhart educates consumers from the patients perspective on how to make sure you get the best care possible.
In "Sick of Doctors? Then Do Something About It!" Ms. Burkhart gives you practical advice on how to handle the expected and the unexpected concerns in today's healthcare challenges.
For anyone to assume there is not a problem with how patients are cared for has not been paying attention to the many malpractice situations that occur on a daily basis.
Don't let this happen to you. Get your own copy of "Sick of Doctors? Then Do Something About It!"
Here's just a bit of what Lorene Burkhart has to say.
Why did you write this book?
As a 75-year-old woman who has lived through the evolution of healthcare, I felt I had a unique perspective on the doctor patient relationship. By sharing my experiences as well as researching the state of healthcare today, I created a roadmap for people to take control of their own healthcare and develop positive, rewarding relationships with their doctors.
What makes this book different than others on the shelf today?
There are a lot of books written by doctors or healthcare providers giving people advice on how to navigate the system. Although very insightful, these books are written by people on the inside. I wrote this book from the perspective of the patient, as a consumer of the services provided by the authors of similar books.
What do you want readers to learn from the book?
The book provides readers with an understanding of the evolution of healthcare, how it was and how we got to where we are today. It gives insight into the personalities of those who enter the medical professional and a roadmap on how to take control of their well being. Most people know more about their accountants and even their hairdresser than they do about their doctors or their own medical records. My goal is to empower readers with information to help them become better consumers.
Who is the book for?
The book is for anyone feeling frustrated by their inability to navigate the healthcare system, or anyone who feels they would like to have a better, more productive relationship with their doctor. I especially think women will find this book insightful because they are primary caregivers in our society. People of my generation will benefit from the knowledge and personal experiences shared in the book, too.
What has been your experience? Our special guest author will be stopping my throughout the day to answer any questions you have. Leave questions in the comment area below.
Good Morning Kathleen -
Thank you for sharing information about Sick of Doctors and Lorene Burkhart with your blog readers. I know this topic hits very close to home for you and we've both seen a lot of the medical profession in the last 9 months or so. The idea that so many people don't do everything they can to take control of their health care - is something that has always floored me. So its good to see a book written by someone outside the medical community to help people learn how to manage their health care.
Nikki Leigh
Posted by: Nikki Leigh | June 02, 2010 at 08:21 AM
Thank you for your comments Nikki. Yes, we have both seen our fair (overly fair) share of docs in the last 9 months to a year.
There are some amazing doctors, nurses, PTs and other medical professionals who do care about what they do.
On the flip side are those who don't seem to have the patient's best interest in mind.
With a book such as I have posted about in today's blog posting, I am so happy to see something written from the patient's perspective.
Posted by: Kathleen Gage | June 02, 2010 at 08:27 AM