An article in The New York Times notes the dire straits we are in already, which will only get worse as we age, with shortage of geriatricians.
Real Stories of Screwups
There's nothing like reading about real life screwups to convince you of the need to be your own healthcare advocate. Check out this book by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon of People's Pharmacy http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2016/01/11/be-wary-of-deadly-mistakes-in-health-care-55490/http://managingyourdoctor.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/top-screwups-front-cover-192x290.jpg?w=192&h=1&crop=1
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Why are so many patients dissatisfied with their doctors?
Isn't it reassuring to know that patients around the world are desperately unhappy with their doctors - and the universal complaint seems to be never enough time. Sound familiar?
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I can’t understand what all these items are on my hospital bill. What’s “R&C Int & C Int 1 days @ $12,356?” Why does 1 Tylenol cost $2?
Consider trying to negotiate some of the unrealistic prices, especially if you are uninsured (many hospitals give an automatic discount if you are, but you often need the chutzpa to ask). Here's a good article that explains a lot of the vagaries of hospital billing. You can also get help with your hospital bill through the Patient Advocate Foundation.