Allograft Safety - Research Providers

Research Providers- Power to the Patient

Patients and their families sometimes feel like David battling the Healthcare Goliaths using only a slingshot to protect themselves from an attack of mammoth MRI machines, sharp scalpels, IV lines which can strangle you as you sleep, blood sucking phlebotomists, and the nursing staff’s sleep deprivation techniques. How far can one get when given only a flimsy cotton suit of armor which does not even close in the back and a box of Kleenex?

Maneuvering through the maze of medical jargon, medical technology, and medical experts, can become a daunting task if you are not prepared. Often patients are left to pour through mounds and mounds of paper work from HIPPA laws to consent to treat forms to advance directives and this is before you even see the doctor. As we go through life we will experience a gamut of health care issues and problems which will demand explanations and treatment.

With the advent of managed care, the truth is, our health care is being rationed and decided by people who we never even see. Physicians are spending less time with their patients depending on the constraints of the HMO or PPOs they have contracted with. Times have changed and so has the medical care delivery in this country.

What this means is, today more than ever, you’re essentially on your own when it comes to your health. It is becoming increasingly important for patients to become a partner with their health care professionals and learn as much as they can about their medical condition. Knowledge is power. Patients have an obligation to themselves and the right to participate in all their health care treatment and health care decisions.

The importance of patients becoming fully informed about their medical condition and health care providers cannot be overemphasized. It could save your life.

What to insist on (1):


		Research Providers- Power to the Patient Patients and their families sometimes feel like David battling the Healthcare Goliaths using only a slingshot to protect themselves from an attack of mammoth MRI machines, sharp scalpels, IV lines which can strangle you as you sleep, blood sucking phlebotomists, and the nursing staff’s sleep deprivation techniques. How far can one get when given only a flimsy cotton suit of armor which does not even close in the back and a box of Kleenex? Maneuvering through the maze of medical jargon, medical technology, and medical experts, can become a daunting task if you are not prepared. Often patients are left to pour through mounds and mounds of paper work from HIPPA laws to consent to treat forms to advance directives and this is before you even see the doctor. As we go through life we will experience a gamut of health care issues and problems which will demand explanations and treatment. With the advent of managed care, the truth is, our health care is being rationed and decided by people who we never even see. Physicians are spending less time with their patients depending on the constraints of the HMO or PPOs they have contracted with. Times have changed and so has the medical care delivery in this country. What this means is, today more than ever, you’re essentially on your own when it comes to your health. It is becoming increasingly important for patients to become a partner with their health care professionals and learn as much as they can about their medical condition. Knowledge is power. Patients have an obligation to themselves and the right to participate in all their health care treatment and health care decisions. The importance of patients becoming fully informed about their medical condition and health care providers cannot be overemphasized. It could save your life. What to insist on (1): You have the right to select your doctor. You have the right to be fully informed about your health care status and treatment choices and options. You have the right to a second opinion. You have the right to preventative medicine You have the right to know your surgeon’s and hospital’s track record for the procedure you need. Patient’s Bill of Rights: http://www.consumer.gov/qualityhealth/rights.htm References: #1) Rosenfeld, Isadore. Parade. New York: Feb 24, 2002