Topic: Medical Errors

prescription
May 23 2023

Prescription error? What to check when you pick up your medications

Health Risk Management

When you pick up a prescription from the pharmacy, do you look it over or just take it home and put it in your medicine cabinet? It’s important to check your prescriptions every time you pick one up or receive your medication via mail to make sure you’ve received the correct prescription, the right dosage,... Read More

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medical records
Jan 19 2023

Why you need to gather and organize your medical records

Personalized Healthcare

If you’re like most people, you probably see several healthcare providers over the course of the year—your primary care provider and a few specialists like cardiologists, dermatologists, OB/GYNs, mental health specialists, and orthopedists. Then there are visits to urgent care or retail clinics, virtual visits through apps or your health insurer, screening and diagnostics tests,... Read More

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medical gaslighting
Sep 27 2022

Medical gaslighting: What is it and how can it affect your health?

Disease Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

Going to the doctor and having your symptoms or concerns dismissed or downplayed is more than a frustrating experience. This failure of your healthcare provider to listen to you and take the symptoms you report seriously can lead to misdiagnosis and significantly delayed diagnosis of a serious health issue. This behavior by medical professionals is... Read More

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medical history
Sep 13 2022

Why sharing your complete medical history matters

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

It’s your first visit to an orthopedist for knee pain. As you complete your pre-appointment paperwork, you focus on the symptoms you’re experiencing and the treatments your primary care physician has recommended before referring you to a specialist. You don’t mention that you had surgery on the ankle on the opposite leg a few years... Read More

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mentla health
May 26 2022

Mental health: Could a physical problem be causing your psychological symptoms?

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of mental health issues like anxiety or depression, you may want to discuss with your doctor whether these symptoms could be the result of a physical health problem. A number of different physical health problems share symptoms with mental health conditions, which can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis. When should you... Read More

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medical jargon
Mar 31 2022

How self-advocacy can lower the risk of misdiagnosis for women

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

A man and a woman, who are both having a heart attack, go to the emergency room. But it’s 50% more likely that the woman will be misdiagnosed than the man. If they were both having a stroke, the woman is nearly 30% more likely to receive the wrong diagnosis. Why is the woman’s risk... Read More

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hospital
Mar 10 2022

Four things to consider when choosing a hospital

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

When they need hospital care, many people simply go to the closest hospital or the one their doctor recommends. But if you need care at a hospital, whether it’s for labor and delivery, back surgery, joint replacement, cancer treatment, or treatment for heart disease, it’s important to do some research before you choose where to... Read More

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in the ICU
Feb 24 2022

How to advocate for a loved one in the ICU

Family Caregiving  •  By Miles Varn, MD

If someone you care about is seriously ill or injured and is receiving care in the ICU, you can play an important role in ensuring they get the care they need and that that care is in line with their wishes. One thing that can help guide you is your loved one’s healthcare directive or... Read More

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fragmented care
Oct 19 2021

How to protect yourself from the risks of fragmented care

Health Risk Management  •  By Miles Varn, MD

You end up in the emergency department after breaking your ankle in a minor car accident. You tell the nurse that you take blood thinners because you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The doctor treating your ankle says he’s reviewed your electronic medical record, so you assume he’s aware of the medications you take. But... Read More

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second opinion
Sep 13 2021

Three challenges to getting a second opinion and how to overcome them

Second Opinion  •  By Miles Varn, MD

A second opinion can be a valuable tool to help you ensure that your diagnosis is accurate and you’re choosing an appropriate treatment plan. Second opinions from experienced specialists can confirm or change your diagnosis and treatment options, lowering your risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that approximately 88%... Read More

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