Content Category

How to Prepare for Scheduled or Elective Surgery

Preparing emotionally Anxiety and fear are normal responses to planned surgery. But having a full understanding of the procedure can reduce your stress and result in a better outcome. People scheduled for an operation often...

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Before Scheduling a Surgical Procedure

If you are facing surgery, take the time to learn about the surgery your doctor has recommended so you understand what’s involved and feel comfortable that it’s the best treatment. You should also take the...

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10 Things Your Hospital Won’t Tell You

A hospital is supposed to make you better, but you may not feel too well after reading this. Some words of advice: Be your own health care advocate. 1. “Oops, wrong kidney.” In recent years,...

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Seniors Dropping Medicare Advantage Plans

As Seniors Get Sicker, They’re More Likely To Drop Medicare Advantage Plans. A GAO report questions the quality of a number of Medicare Advantage plans after large numbers of sicker enrollees dropped them. When Sol...

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The Pitfalls of Applying for Medicare

Lots Can Go Wrong if You’re Not Careful  Roughly 3.65 million Americans will turn 65 this year and become eligible for Medicare. But be warned: There’s nothing simple about signing up for the government’s health-care...

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Are Your Medical Records Private

Like most Americans, you probably believe:  What you tell your doctor is totally private  If you sign “privacy notices” at a doctor’s office, a pharmacy, a hospital or a lab your health records will not...

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Top 10 Safety Concerns

By Heather Punke, Becker’s Hospital Review.  The ECRI Institute released its “Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns for Healthcare Organizations 2017” report, with EHR information management, use of clinical decision support and antimicrobial stewardship topping the list. The...

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Open heart surgery: $428,903

CNN iReport.  Elise Hay’s daughter, Nora, was born with heart problems and needed surgery when she was four days old. After the two-week hospital stay, surgery, tests, and medications, the cost was nearly half a...

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Older Americans Hooked on Drugs

When Betty Van Amburgh began treatment last year for her addiction to  prescription pain killers she was told to bring along all her medication. She arrived with a shopping bag — boxes of transdermal patches...

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Medications to Avoid

There are many medications that are dangerous, especially to older people, and should be avoided if at all possible or if another medication with less serious side effects is available.  USE WITH CAUTIONNon-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs...

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