Most people, at one time or another, have received an incorrect diagnosis or seen a doctor who’s been stumped by their symptoms.   Jerome Groopman, professor of medicine at Harvard University, relays 6 secrets that he applies on the examining room table.  To read more of Deborah Kotz’ 2009 article in US News and World Report, follow this link:  http://www.usnews.com/health/articles/2009/09/02/6-secrets-to-getting-the-right-medical-diagnosis.html

In her 2006 New York Times article, Deborah Franklin asks the question:  how can you negotiate anything- when standing barefoot in a paper gown under the fluorescent lights at a hospital or medical clinic?  Franklin weighs in with medical sociologists to get advice for patients on how to best get the information they need from their medical providers.

To read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/health/15cons.html?_r=1&ref=health

Patient Safety Awareness Week is a national education and awareness campaign for improving patient safety.  This week on our site, look for news articles and tips from our attorneys on how to protect yourself by becoming more involved in your own healthcare.

You can find more information about how your organization can participate in Patient Safety Awareness Week at the following link:  http://www.npsf.org/

Like many people, you may assume that you know what information is contained within your medical records—even though you’ve never seen them.  Each time you visit your doctor, you see the nurse write down your weight, blood pressure, and medications.  Initially, you may also have to fill out forms about the reason for your visit and your medical history.  You see the doctor writing things down in your chart, but what exactly?  Is the doctor noting your complaints of neck pain, your difficulty sleeping, your recent weight loss, or that pesky mole on your arm that itches constantly?  Don’t count on it.  The truth is that we pay more attention to our sales receipts than to our medical records. While being charged for items you didn’t purchase won’t kill you, not knowing what your medical records say about you just might.   (more…)

Patrick Malone, a leading medical malpractice attorney and patient safety advocate has authored a book titled The Life You Save:  Nine Steps to Finding the Best Medical Care and Avoiding the Worst.  Malone writes, “Before I became a lawyer, I spent a decade as a journalist covering both the best and the worst of the American medical system. In both careers, I’ve learned how to find the best medical care and avoid the worst. I’ve learned that you don’t have to have a degree in medicine to understand enough to make smart medical choices. I’ve learned that you do need common sense, curiosity, and persistence.”

The Life You Save has earned five star ratings on Amazon and is available for purchase at $15.95 per copy at most book retailers.  To read an excerpt visit:  http://liveyousave.com/excerpt.html