Taking Control of Your Healthcare
Providing You and Your Loved Ones with the Information You Need to Participate in Your Care
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
expectancy at birth and among the bottom at 65 years of age. Incredibly, not only are we receiving only 50% of the healthcare we should, we are receiving unnecessary care to the tune of $500 to $700 billion a year! In other words, just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s better. When was the last time you asked your doctor specific questions about the treatment he recommended? Perhaps you have handled your medical life and healthcare decisions with blind trust, or perhaps you’re someone who likes to do their research on the internet, and ask a lot of questions. If you’re in the latter category, it could be something that saves your life. Today medical practice is based more on hunches than scientific evidence, which results in unnecessary risk (recent estimates are that 30,000 people die each year as a result of unnecessary care). As patients, we have been left out of the decision making process. For example, if you knew the side effects of the elective surgery, would you have agreed to it? Research has shown when medical decision making shifts from “delegated” to “shared” you are more likely to follow your doctor’s instructions and pay closer attention to your care. “Delegated” decision making is when the doctor proclaims what your care will be and you have no recourse but to follow his/her instructions. However, in order to effectively participate in your healthcare, you have to get smart and have the necessary information that you need take control of your healthcare and make an informed decision. "Taking Control of Your Healthcare" will provide you the information you need to participate in your healthcare so that you add value by receiving the right care, at the right price and haven’t put your safety at risk with unnecessary care. We help give you the confidence to know you are making the smartest choice for you.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Research has shown that people who participate in their healthcare – those who ask questions of their doctors and play an active role with their doctors in making decisions about their care – are the ones who get the right care and have the best outcomes. How can you be sure you’re receiving the right care? You need to get smart, be informed and take control of your healthcare. This book helps you do that.
The Kreisberg's have taken their many years of experience in the healthcare field and distilled the most important lessons you need to learn to get the care you need as an individual. With this book as a guide, you’ll know how to find the right doctors and ask the right questions so you have the information you need to help you weigh all your treatment options and choose the best course of action. You’ll gain an understanding of the risks associated with different diseases, and learn how to select the right hospital so you can maximize the quality of your care. You’ll find the information you need to take your prescription medications safely, and you’ll find guidance in caring for your elderly loved ones who very often need specialized care.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Kreisberg served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Jeff lives in Dallas with his wife, Suzanne. They enjoy traveling to visit their daughters and grandchildren. Dr. Suzanne Kreisberg is a board-certified pathologist with specialty boards in cytopathology. Dr. Kreisberg was a faculty member of the department of pathology in San Antonio before becoming Medical Director of a large clinical pathology laboratory. Suzanne enjoys traveling with her husband, Jeff. Lawrence Kreisberg is a licensed psychotherapist in the state of Florida, and has been in private practice since 1975 in South Florida, specializing in group therapy, marriage and family therapy, and individual counseling for adults. Larry is frequently seen on his boat off Key Largo. Joan Kreisberg is a licensed psychotherapist and nationally certified counselor currently practicing in Plantation, Florida with her husband Larry. For the past nineteen years she has specialized in individual, group, and relationship counseling. Joan enjoys the outdoor life in Key Largo.