Health Blog

Recent vaping-related illnesses are an example of something that can happen with any new or rare health problem. When faced with a new or rare condition, patients may face a higher risk of being misdiagnosed. For example, when patients who were eventually diagnosed with vaping-related illnesses first sought treatment, most were believed to have pneumonia... Read More

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a complex health problem such as advanced cancer or organ failure that means you’ll need a transplant or a rare condition such as sickle-cell disease or hemophilia the right support can not only have a positive effect on the outcome of your treatment it can... Read More

One of the most important skills your doctor has is listening. He or she should take time to talk with you not only about symptoms you’re experiencing, but about the story behind those symptoms. But sometimes doctors are pressed for time or are used to asking their patients a series of yes or no questions.... Read More

Even if you’re the picture of health, you may see more than one doctor—a primary care physician, a gynecologist if you’re a woman, an occasional urgent care healthcare professional. And if you’re living with a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes or have been diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, the number of... Read More

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards finding the right treatment. But for people living with a rare or complex disease, getting that diagnosis can be a long, frustrating process that delays treatment. Depending on which disease you face, getting a definitive diagnosis can take from 7 to 10 years. And though approximately... Read More

Medication errors are more common than you may think and they can have serious health consequences. One study found that preventable medication errors affect more than 7 million patients per year and account for more than 3.5 million doctor’s visits and 1 million emergency department visits. The types of errors range from the wrong dosage... Read More

If you have a high deductible health plan, a health savings account (HSA) allows you to put aside pre-tax or tax-deductible dollars to pay for deductibles, co-payments, and qualified medical expenses that aren’t covered by your health plan, such as prescription glasses and dental care. The goal is to reduce your out-of-pocket medical costs. But... Read More

There are many different reasons people decide it’s time to switch to a new doctor, whether it’s your primary care doctor, a specialist, or your child’s pediatrician. And while you might feel hesitant to end your relationship, especially if you’ve been seeing the doctor for a long time, sometimes switching to a new doctor is... Read More

There are a number of different situations when you might want to get a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment plan. It’s wise to consider getting a second opinion if you’re diagnosed with a serious, complex, or rare condition or if your doctor has recommended elective (non-emergency) surgery like joint replacement or a hysterectomy.... Read More

Being in the hospital can be stressful and confusing. It can be difficult to get the information you need from your doctors and healthcare team, ensure all members of the team are communicating to lower the risk of medical errors and inappropriate testing and care, and make medical decisions when you’re ill or injured and... Read More