4.33

4

Nov 22, 2015

A very useful book. If you want to control your health care, consider this as a fine reference work.

Concerned about a diagnosis? Get a second opinion. Wonder if your specialist is up to speed? Seek out specialists who are at the top of their game and on top of the research generated about a procedure or a medical problem.

The key point of the book? Don't settle for what you have normally received as service. Seek out the best medical advice that you can get. Take charge of your own medical care. A very useful book. If you want to control your health care, consider this as a fine reference work.

Concerned about a diagnosis? Get a second opinion. Wonder if your specialist is up to speed? Seek out specialists who are at the top of their game and on top of the research generated about a procedure or a medical problem.

The key point of the book? Don't settle for what you have normally received as service. Seek out the best medical advice that you can get. Take charge of your own medical care. . . .
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5

Aug 30, 2015

Oh my God. This book is amazing. Life-changing. Eye-opening. In the first few pages, author Michelson says, "By the time you finish reading this book, you will have completely rethought the way you interact with care-giving and hospitals." And he's 100% right. I couldn't believe how much good advice is in this book. I've already implemented a few changes in my own life, and there are some other tidbits of advice that I am going to save for when I (or one of my family members) faces a major Oh my God. This book is amazing. Life-changing. Eye-opening. In the first few pages, author Michelson says, "By the time you finish reading this book, you will have completely rethought the way you interact with care-giving and hospitals." And he's 100% right. I couldn't believe how much good advice is in this book. I've already implemented a few changes in my own life, and there are some other tidbits of advice that I am going to save for when I (or one of my family members) faces a major medical situation.

Here are some of the best recommendations Michelson gives:

(*) Find a good primary care physician and develop a good relationship with her or him.
(*) Plot your family's medical history. What did they die of? What major illnesses did they have?
(*) Get a copy of ALL your medical records.
(*) Find the closest emergency room now, BEFORE you face a major medical emergency.
(*) Find the closest PEDIATRIC emergency room, since kids, especially babies, need their own specialized hospital.
(*) Carry a USB drive with your important medical information in your wallet.
(*) Have a note on the back of your driver's license that lists your medications, medical conditions, allergies, and contact info.

And when I or someone I love is having a medical crisis, I am going to remember to:

(*) either be or find a "quarterback": a detail-oriented, organized, emotionally savvy advocate who is good at research and can be in charge of looking at the medical situation holistically.
(*) look for doctors who have published articles about your specific diagnosis, and then contact said doctors to ask for opinions or referrals.
(*) educate yourself about your specific disease--before treatment (unless it's a true emergency situation).
(*) do not begin treatment until you know your specific diagnosis and all of your viable treatment options.
(*) do not over-treat.

And there is much more. I took so many notes while reading this book. I now feel way more confident in my ability to handle a major medical diagnosis. I feel genuinely prepared to talk to doctors, ask for help from specialists, research conditions (Michelson lists MANY good research resources), choose the right treatment, and work to coordinate care between my doctors. Also, Michelson explains in detail his steps to achieve the "No Mistake Zone," and I will definitely consult that list if I'm ever in crisis.

I think one of the things I love most about this book is that Michelson affirms that we are not crazy to be intimidated by THE SYSTEM. Interacting with hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, etc., is overwhelming. Like me, most people assume doctors know what they are doing, that there is a black and white way to interpret tests and symptoms and treatment plans. But truthfully, this is complicated, nuanced stuff. And doctors are just people like the rest of us. Most are trying to do the best job they can for their patients, but they are rushed and stressed, too. I felt like Michelson gave me permission to acknowledge the anxiety that interacting with the healthcare system brings, but then to stand up for myself and for my family. There are a bunch of doctors quoted in this book that say they actually LIKE when their patients are educated and involved and ask questions. And if a doctor is annoyed if I try to dig deeper to better understand what I'm being told, that indicates a problem with the doctor, not with me. There is something extremely validating about that message.

In short, I finished this book and I felt that I had, indeed, changed the way I plan to interact with my doctor (and especially my kids' doctors). I feel empowered and much more knowledgeable. I am so grateful I read this book at this point in my life. I feel like I have time to prepare for an emergency, and I feel infinitely more ready to act when I (inevitably) find myself in a medical crisis. What a valuable resource. ...more

5

Nov 16, 2015

As someone who suffers from several Anxiety Disorders (and whose disorders are specifically connected to medical problems that I have, and may have, and keep imagining I have....and on and on) what I really appreciate about this book is that it made me feel prepared when I go to the doctor or hospital. The thing about anxiety disorders is that they are overwhelming...it is this constant feeling of fear, and of not being able to cope. In my case, it is this never-ending feeling of not being able As someone who suffers from several Anxiety Disorders (and whose disorders are specifically connected to medical problems that I have, and may have, and keep imagining I have....and on and on) what I really appreciate about this book is that it made me feel prepared when I go to the doctor or hospital. The thing about anxiety disorders is that they are overwhelming...it is this constant feeling of fear, and of not being able to cope. In my case, it is this never-ending feeling of not being able to cope with what happens to me medically.

Now, unfortunetly for me, I actually do have serious medical problems, including a tumor, so, I can't just not go to the doctor's ever, of course. Every time I go, I petrified...I feel that "I can't handle this" feeling. This book made me feel more like I CAN actually handle it, because it gave me instructions, basically, for how to deal with doctors and the entire medical system. And something about having to those skills, and being able to prepare, makes me feel more confidant that I can handle things. Thanks! ...more

5

Apr 23, 2017

I work with individuals and families all the time who are overwhelmed and confounded by healthcare. The Patient's Playbook is an indispensable guide for them.

In fact, the game plan Michelson spells out is extremely helpful for anyone who expects to receive or come alongside someone receiving medical care at any level.

He covers everything on the front end of medical care and leaves others to inform us how to go about end of life care.

how to find the best primary care physician (PCP)
how to I work with individuals and families all the time who are overwhelmed and confounded by healthcare. The Patient's Playbook is an indispensable guide for them.

In fact, the game plan Michelson spells out is extremely helpful for anyone who expects to receive or come alongside someone receiving medical care at any level.

He covers everything on the front end of medical care and leaves others to inform us how to go about end of life care.

• how to find the best primary care physician (PCP)
• how to accumulate and provide the best information for and about you to obtain the best medical care possible
• how to navigate the ER and emergency medicine
• how and when to choose the best hospital for your needs
• how to relate to doctors
• how to determine what tests and medications are necessary
• how to manage chronic illness and complicated health situations

- Companion read: An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal ...more

5

Jul 28, 2015

A must read for patients at any level. I wish I'd found it years ago when I was an average patient seeing only a gp occasionally. This book walks you through finding a good gp, understanding the medical system, making sure that you have all of your records in hand and that you understand them so that you are ready if a medical situation does occur. And if one does you know the steps to take to not just find a specialist but the best specialist for your case. This book is about becoming an A must read for patients at any level. I wish I'd found it years ago when I was an average patient seeing only a gp occasionally. This book walks you through finding a good gp, understanding the medical system, making sure that you have all of your records in hand and that you understand them so that you are ready if a medical situation does occur. And if one does you know the steps to take to not just find a specialist but the best specialist for your case. This book is about becoming an informed patient and not just floating through the medical system assuming everything will be ok.

If you are healthy read this book now so you can be prepared should you or a lived one need it. If you are already waist deep in the medical system read this book so you can better understand what you are facing and make sure you are getting not only the right treatment but the best treatment possible. ...more

4

Oct 23, 2016

This is a really good resource for everyone. Almost everyone eventually becomes a patient and / or the primary support person for a patient. I wish this book had been available in 1998 for my first cancer diagnosis. I actually did quite a few of the author's recommendations during my adventure. It would have been helpful to know that I was taking appropriate actions; because, sometimes I felt like I was obsessively and anxiously micromanaging my treatment process. I never received negative This is a really good resource for everyone. Almost everyone eventually becomes a patient and / or the primary support person for a patient. I wish this book had been available in 1998 for my first cancer diagnosis. I actually did quite a few of the author's recommendations during my adventure. It would have been helpful to know that I was taking appropriate actions; because, sometimes I felt like I was obsessively and anxiously micromanaging my treatment process. I never received negative feedback from my treatment team and I often got good responses from my proactive behavior. It would have been nice to know that I was on the right track and that what I did could improve my care and other future patients' care. ...more

5

Apr 06, 2016

This is a must read for all those concerned with there health.

3

Oct 24, 2015

This book illustrates the level of work that today's patients have to put in to best manage their own health despite having no expertise in the field - something that doctors used to get paid to do. If you are a caregiver, there are many great tips on finding excellent care for your loved one. But if you are a patient, the amount of work involved seems even more overwhelming once it is outlined here for you.

3

Oct 17, 2015

Valuable information - perhaps the most valuable is the list of resources/websites. However, many of the success stories cited required sufficient funds to travel to the best providers and pay additional costs of using nonnetwork providers. Still, even if one only follows some of the practices for being proactive, more mindful, and more thorough in communicating with providers, it would help. There are good guidelines for when it's time to change your PCP.

4

Oct 13, 2015

This book is really a must read for anyone who has gotten to a point in their health care process where they want to take charge of it. The author gives many examples, steps, and websites to help you achieve this.

He really tries to share with you the importance of being your own health care advocate instead of putting so much blind faith in your doctor.

This is a book I want to purchase to share with family and friends on the importance of this matter. Highly recommend.

5

Jul 10, 2015

This book contains a lot of useful information for patients at any level. At the very beginning, I didnt think this would be such an interesting and useful book. This book made me rethink my current perspective towards the healthcare system. I actually talked to a few of my friends & relatives about this book and recommended them to read it. Its good to become more informed. Dont worry. This book is written in a very readable style.
I received a free ARC from the Goodreads First Reads This book contains a lot of useful information for patients at any level. At the very beginning, I didn’t think this would be such an interesting and useful book. This book made me rethink my current perspective towards the healthcare system. I actually talked to a few of my friends & relatives about this book and recommended them to read it. It’s good to become more informed. Don’t worry. This book is written in a very readable style.
I received a free ARC from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thanks for sending me this informative book.
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2

Oct 08, 2015

My rating reflects format--audiobook. Even addicts have to admit that some books simply don't work as well on audio. While this one has lots of great advice on all aspects of our lives with the world of medicine, there are too many lists. It's a great listen, rich in anecdotes, but there's simply too much information to take in. If I wanted to use this effectively, I'd need the book with all the questions to ask when choosing a doctor, when admitted to the hospital and on and on. Excellent My rating reflects format--audiobook. Even addicts have to admit that some books simply don't work as well on audio. While this one has lots of great advice on all aspects of our lives with the world of medicine, there are too many lists. It's a great listen, rich in anecdotes, but there's simply too much information to take in. If I wanted to use this effectively, I'd need the book with all the questions to ask when choosing a doctor, when admitted to the hospital and on and on. Excellent book--but not on audio. ...more

4

Mar 13, 2016

I found this discussion of how to navigate health problems to be a very important message but sometimes I wanted it to be clearer and less repetitive. I understand that people like to hear stories of others who have been frustrated by being unable to find correct diagnoses for their maladies. The author definitely makes an impression with his examples and for this reason alone I would highly recommend this book. I have passed my copy on to my daughter-in-law who has very serious health problems I found this discussion of how to navigate health problems to be a very important message but sometimes I wanted it to be clearer and less repetitive. I understand that people like to hear stories of others who have been frustrated by being unable to find correct diagnoses for their maladies. The author definitely makes an impression with his examples and for this reason alone I would highly recommend this book. I have passed my copy on to my daughter-in-law who has very serious health problems in the hopes that it will encourage her to follow the author's suggestions. ...more

4

Sep 20, 2015

Very good book, with extremely important information. However, sometimes the information was overwhelming. If I were to get sick, it would be nice to have an expert like Leslie D. Michelson by my side to steer my way through the myriad paths that could point to recovery. Otherwise, it's easy to get lost. That said, I think this book gives people a lot of different ideas for how they can take charge of their own recovery. Even if you were only to adopt two or three of the thousands of ideas Dr. Very good book, with extremely important information. However, sometimes the information was overwhelming. If I were to get sick, it would be nice to have an expert like Leslie D. Michelson by my side to steer my way through the myriad paths that could point to recovery. Otherwise, it's easy to get lost. That said, I think this book gives people a lot of different ideas for how they can take charge of their own recovery. Even if you were only to adopt two or three of the thousands of ideas Dr. Michelson offers, that should be a big help. I also think Dr. Michelson's book is worth reading over and over again, perhaps every year. And you should DEFINITELY read it if you or one of your loved ones gets sick!

二零一七年： 第三十三本书 ...more

5

Jul 16, 2018

When you are sick, it is too late to read this book. Read it before you need it! There are other books like this one out there, but this one is relatively current, and focuses on issues that affect all of us everyday. I read this book 5 months after my husband nearly died of endocarditis caused congestive heart failure. SO MANY of the things that happened while he was in the hospital were wrong - some just incidentally wrong, others dangerously wrong. This book will influence the way I interact When you are sick, it is too late to read this book. Read it before you need it! There are other books like this one out there, but this one is relatively current, and focuses on issues that affect all of us everyday. I read this book 5 months after my husband nearly died of endocarditis caused congestive heart failure. SO MANY of the things that happened while he was in the hospital were wrong - some just incidentally wrong, others dangerously wrong. This book will influence the way I interact with health services from now on so that those things NEVER happen to us again! ...more

5

Feb 24, 2017

I think this is one of those "must read" books for anyone making health decisions or who will be doing so in the future. That means everyone. (chuckle) I do a tremendous amount of medical research, and this explains well how the medical system works, from multiple perspectives -- doctor, patient, insurance company, etc. Gaps between them all are bridged with logic and some motivations revealed, along with maybe some trust established because all involved are simply human. The best thing to be I think this is one of those "must read" books for anyone making health decisions or who will be doing so in the future. That means everyone. (chuckle) I do a tremendous amount of medical research, and this explains well how the medical system works, from multiple perspectives -- doctor, patient, insurance company, etc. Gaps between them all are bridged with logic and some motivations revealed, along with maybe some trust established because all involved are simply human. The best thing to be learned from this book is how to be a medical advocate -- for yourself as well as for others -- being a "quarterback," as the author calls it. Don't just go into things with passiveness and acceptance of "the norm." Be in the game! Health is pretty important. ...more

5

Oct 28, 2019

This is a must read going forward through the Healthcare system .

5

Dec 15, 2019

One of the most worthwhile books I've read this year! Intelligent and interesting with the perfect recipe of data, interview quotes, and anecdotes. This is a book that both patients and physicians can cheer for.

5

Apr 17, 2018

Important book for humans...someday either you or someone you care for will be faced with a life altering health issue and Michelson's approach to navigating the medical world is sound and well thought out.

4

Dec 04, 2018

Everyone should read this. It's filled with fantastic information, and it's actually really engaging. I was expecting it to be informative, but either boring or hard to understand. I was pleasantly surprised by how great of a read it was.

5

Dec 07, 2016

I checked out this book from the library after seeing it on the shelf. I read it once and took notes, but I feel like I need to purchase a copy of it to keep for reference . This is book that every home needs!

4

Sep 18, 2019

This book was super informative with all the resources it provided and the tips the author gives on how to make the health care system work for you. I'm in the process of obtaining a new PCP so I found the chapter about that quite helpful/interesting. I actually had a piece of paper that I was jotting notes on as I listened - the information was that good. He brought up a lot of things I never would've thought to think about/research. I've always believed people should be more proactive with This book was super informative with all the resources it provided and the tips the author gives on how to make the health care system work for you. I'm in the process of obtaining a new PCP so I found the chapter about that quite helpful/interesting. I actually had a piece of paper that I was jotting notes on as I listened - the information was that good. He brought up a lot of things I never would've thought to think about/research. I've always believed people should be more proactive with their health and not quite so reliant on their doctors and follow what they say without thinking for themselves if what the doctor is suggesting makes sense/works for them. This book pushed for everyone to get more involved in their health care, and I thought that was great! ...more

5

Oct 21, 2017

Can't recommend this book highly enough. Many, many important insights into how the health care system works. Michelson arms us with a great deal of valuable information regarding the importance of having a close relationship with a primary care doctor as well as what we need to do when we or a loved gets a bad diagnosis. I'm planning to give copies of this book to my friends and family.

4

Jan 20, 2018

This book is about how to become an empowered patient and ensure that you get the best medical treatment when required. To illustrate his points, the author uses lots of interesting real life cases. I won an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Goodreads Giveaways program.

5

Apr 03, 2018

I was skeptical when I started this, but it really has a lot of information on how to better interact with the healthcare system. The author runs a business that helps people get more out of their medical care, and he's compiled some great information.

Here are some of the main points:
1. Spend time searching for a great primary care physician, and lean on them as a person to help you manage your day-to-day health and to navigate the rest of the system if you need care from hospitals or I was skeptical when I started this, but it really has a lot of information on how to better interact with the healthcare system. The author runs a business that helps people get more out of their medical care, and he's compiled some great information.

Here are some of the main points:
1. Spend time searching for a great primary care physician, and lean on them as a person to help you manage your day-to-day health and to navigate the rest of the system if you need care from hospitals or specialists.
2. Compile your medical history and records and carry them with you(or at least have them accessible). This will save your doctors work tracking down your records, and could save your life.
3. Assemble a support team for when a serious illness or injury strikes.
4. Don't make rash decisions about your care. Ask questions, do research, and seek second opinions whenever possible.

The one thing I'm disappointed he didn't include was ways to reduce your costs in getting care, or even ways to find out how much your care will cost. But IDK maybe that's not even possible in our current system....
...more