Patient Power

INTRODUCTION to Medical Madness Category Caution: Some content in this post may be disturbing to certain individuals. DOUBLE CASUALTIES of America’s Broken Medical System “They have killed me. They have f——- killed me.” Andy McMillan, an hour before he died from a medication overdose. Months after my husband’s death, I found a letter he had written in his journal for me to find. It began: “If you are reading this, then the worst has happened.” On March 6, 2014, my beloved spouse Andy had exhaled his last two breaths into my mouth, as I frantically tried to administer CPR to him, to no avail. The hospital staff had refused to respond to our daughter’s urgent pleas for help when Andy suddenly stopped breathing. Someone had placed a “Do Not Resuscitate” order in his chart without our knowledge. The attending hospitalist that night had stubbornly refused him care–not even effective pain …

Read more

INTRODUCTION to Series:  PATIENTS JUST WANT THEIR “PROPS” “It’s not a suggestion, it’s a prescription. Follow your doctor’s orders!”                                                               Billboard message by a medical practice in Salt Lake City, Utah  Have you ever felt scolded by a provider because you did not follow “doctor’s orders?” Ever been stuck in the patient waiting area until long after your appointment time? Ever had your own time with your provider shortened because he or she is running behind? Ever waited for a promised follow-up communication from your provider that never comes? Ever wanted to smash something because the fancy new office “portal” is so user-unfriendly? Ever been told that you cannot get a copy of your medical records unless you pay a fee, because your records “belong to the practice,” not you? Ever suspected that you are not receiving proper care from your provider because of your race, gender, gender identity, sexual …

Read more