Medicine | Health and Hospital Resource

How To Prepare For A Stay In The Hospital

A stay in the hospital can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. After all, it takes a lot of courage to turn your healthcare over to the professionals and give them permission to provide treatment. However, there are some simple things you can do to make your hospital stay a lot easier to bear.

First of all, remember that even though you’re in the hospital, you still have the right to have some degree of control over your medical care. If you have any questions about what kinds of procedures are being done to you, and what their purpose is, don’t be afraid to speak up. This will ensure that you are fully aware of the different elements of your medical care.

Keep a list of any medical allergies and medications that you are taking so that it will be easier for you to fill out forms at the hospital. And, make sure you have someone who has agreed to act as your emergency contact during any hospital stays.

Also, if you have the luxury of having a bit of time to prepare for your hospital stay, try your best to get all your affairs in order beforehand. If you have any pets, children or elderly people living in your home, make arrangements so that they will be well taken care of in your absence.

Finally, pack a bag of items for your hospital stay, and if you’re permitted to do so, include some of your favorite items from home. Small but meaningful tokens of familiarity from home will be very beneficial to provide comfort during times when you are scared, confused or in pain.

Filed Under: Health Care, Remedies Tagged With: Health care, Hospital, Medicine

Finding the Best Physician for Your Needs

You need a new doctor. Let’s just say your current physician doesn’t listen to you or doesn’t seem to have the needed time. Perhaps you want an older doctor, or a younger doctor, a man or a woman, or someone who specializes in back problems. How do you find one? And how do you choose?

Here’s some help:

Start at the beginning. Narrow your list. For example, if you just don’t want a male doctor, that limits where you start. If you want someone who specializes in back problems, that narrows your list considerably.
Check with your insurance company. Make sure that the physician you have in mind is on the list. Also, check to see the hospital where the doctor does surgery.
Find a doctor you can trust. If that means meeting with a few doctors before making your decision, so be it. Ask questions. Let the doctor know you haven’t yet made your final decision. See how you work together.
Check the doctor’s credentials. Ask questions about where the doctor went to medical school, what she does to keep abreast of the latest news in medicine, if he is affiliated with any medical associations.
How much medical experience does the doctor have? A new doctor will have less, of course, but a new doctor will probably be more aware of the newest advances in medicine.

The best physician for your individual needs will rarely come from a phone book; most often, you will be recommended to that doctor by a good friend, a trusted work associate or a family member. When you have to rely on a phone book, an advertisement or an online website for information, it’s especially good to initiate a personal consultation and check through all of the items on the above list before making your final decision.

Filed Under: Health, Medication, Remedies Tagged With: Health, Medicine, Physician

Wrongfully Administered Drugs and Hospital Complications

When someone is so ill that it is necessary to be admitted into a hospital is scary enough. Even more so are the results of a study that show almost all hospital patients have no idea what kinds of medication they have been given there. Patients often believe they are getting one type of medication, but in fact are getting something else.

This same study also said that one in five medication treatments were incorrect. Improper dosages and the wrong drugs were the common mistakes made in these cases. Even after they left the hospital, just a small percentage of people could identify the medications that they were taking, and even fewer over 65 years old could do so.

Patients under the full care of medical professionals put their trust in these physicians to care for them, even in cases where there lives could be at risk. In a hospital setting, doctors are extremely busy and usually donâ€™t spend more than a couple of minutes with each patient. Mistakes in administering pharmaceuticals are realized more and more with each study that is done, and some people go as far as to suggest that the hospital is a dangerous environment and should be avoided if possible.

Solutions to the problem range from having requirements for better communication between hospital doctors and patients, to a need to assess patient awareness and increase knowledge of what they are given when in the hospital. Studies like this of course exclude patients with psychiatric conditions or dementia, so the results are quite staggering when it is considered that normally functioning people have no idea what drugs doctors are administering to them.

It is also known that drug reactions account for a significant percentage of hospital deaths, and that drug side effects cause many complications there as well. These side effects also account for many hospital re-admissions. It is clearly evident that something needs to be done to more precisely administer medications to patients as well as increase their awareness of what drugs they are given during hospital admission.

Filed Under: Hospitals & Clinics, Medication Tagged With: Health, Hospital, Medicine, Pharmaceutical drug

Medical tourisms cost and health advantages

: Image via Wikipedia

The American health care industry in the costliest in the world. But the same can not be said about the quality of health care in America or even Europe. Even when patients are ready to pay, they have to wait for a long time because of unavailability of surgeons and doctors. This fear of high cost and negligence by the American hospitals are leading patients to medical tourism. Medical tourism is a rising new phenomenon along with dental tourism. Here a trip to a foreign land is combined with a treatment of your choice and return tickets at a lower cost than what it costs in America. It is estimated that approximately 500,000 United States citizens traveled out of the country just for treatments in foreign countries. This is not just happening in America, other destinations of high cost health care are seeing the same trend. Many destinations around the world are turning up as hot spots of health destinations. The tourist patients receive 5 star treatment at unbelievable costs. Not just for hospitals even dentists and various therapies like aqua puncture and ayurveda are being promoted. Many Asian and south American countries are turning into as medical tourism hot spots. Treatments such as cardiac operations, general surgeries, orthopedic treatments, transplants, wellness spas, cosmetic surgery, eye treatments, gynecology treatments, spine treatments, physical therapies, fertility treatments, surrogate mother search, stem cell therapies, cancer treatments, dental treatments, etc. Some of the most popular medical tourism destinations are Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba, Israel, India, Unite Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, Turkey, Poland, Cyprus, Czech republic, etc. These are just some of the countries openly attracting patients from around the world with their unique hospitality industry. It has become a $ 100 billion industry in a short time and is predicted to grow even bigger with rising health care costs elsewhere.

Filed Under: Health Care, Health Tips Tagged With: Costa Rica, Health, Health care, Medical tourism, Medicine, New Zealand, Tourism, United States

What to expect when you receive an organ

: Image by European Parliament via Flickr

Organ transplants are an absolute wonder of modern medicine. Itâ€™s both exciting and extremely nerve-wracking to await a new organ, but some simple measures can take the unknown out of the process.

When you first arrive at the hospital after a match has been found, expect to undergo some final tests before the transplant operation takes place. You should have a suitcase packed up and ready to go as soon as you hear that a potential match is in the works. Time is not on your side when it comes to organ transplants, as most organs deteriorate quickly after being removed from the donor.

Just prior to surgery, the hospital will give you medicine to help prepare your system for the new organ. The most common drugs are called corticosteroids, and you should be aware they can cause some side effects. The most common ones are agitation and hallucinations. Those sound scary, but are only temporary effects and will pass as soon as youâ€™re off the drugs. Corticosteroids are not the same as the anti-rejection drugs you will take later.

Itâ€™s a good idea to have a support person to help you through the process. Brief a family member or friend on your condition, and ask them to pack a suit case as well. They can accompany you to the hospital and coach you through the transplant if you loose track of details in the rush that precipitates the operation.

Depending on the organ you receive, you will have to stay in the hospital a certain amount of time after the operation. During this time, youâ€™ll receive another course of medication to prevent your body from rejecting the new organ. Heart and lung transplants tend to require longer stays and more intensive drugs, whereas more minor organs, such as a kidney wonâ€™t have you in the hospital as long.

Filed Under: Health Care, Health Insurance, Health Tips, Medication, Medicines Tagged With: Health, Hospital, Keyboard, Medicine, Music, Organ, Organ transplantation, Transplantation

Take the surprise and hassle out bills from your hospital or medicine

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Hospital and medical bills can be some of the more stressful and confusing invoices one could ever hope to receive. It’s easy to see how: few people understand their health plan fully until they must use it, and when faced with an unexpected hospital stay, most consider their medical care, not finances, as a top priority.

However, a proactive approach to managing hospital and medical bills can save a lot of heartache down the road. Start by making sure that the facility and medical staff you deal with are within your insurance plan’s network. Make sure you clarify what’s covered, and what deductibles and co-pays apply as soon as possible. One major incentive to stay in-network is that large health plans have typically worked out standard fees and charges for typical procedures. If you deal with a medical professional outside of your network they will have much more latitude to set their own rates.

Ask your doctor for all the details about your treatment regimen. Don’t be afraid to bring a friend or relative, and write down as much as you can. A hospital stay can easily become overwhelming, so you’ll want to be able to refer to all information you receive at your convenience. Many tests or procedures may turn out to be unnecessary, so it’s crucial to reserve the right to a second opinion.

Remember: getting well ought to be your top priority. Don’t compromise the level of your medical care over quibbles with your bill. The hospital with the best medical team very often is the one most fair with billing, but it never hurts to be informed. Consider what’s in your best interest – both for your finances and your health – before you agree to treatment. Clear communication and realistic expectations are the best prescription to avoid billing surprises.

Filed Under: Health Care, Health Tips, Medicines Tagged With: Health, Hospital, Medicine

It’s safest to get medicine at the hospital — don’t purchase drugs online

Just about anyone with a computer has at some point received an email offering Ambien, Viagra, Vicodin or other prescription drugs. A quick Google search will reveal millions (literally!) of online pharmacies of dubious legitimacy peddling a rainbow assortment of pills on the cheap. Resist the temptation. Purchasing drugs online is far riskier than obtaining medicine through a hospital. The cost savings rarely outweigh the dangers. For most people, it’s best to buy medicine locally.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally advises consumers not purchase medicine online. They point out that online pharmacies often sell medications to people who cannot legally purchase them. Further, the FDA is concerned websites may not take the time to learn about all the various medications their customers receive, increasing the chance of a dangerous combination. Numerous online pharmacies have been accused of selling dangerous counterfeit pills that not only lack the effect of the real deal, but may cause harm all on their own.

It’s a smart policy to speak to a pharmacist in person before beginning any new medication. That way, you can be more confident your body will not react poorly. Seeing a pharmacist also gives you the opportunity to discuss any possible side effects. Hospitals and medical clinics are in business for a reason. Self-diagnosis is a risky business.

If you’ve been on a particular course of medication for some time and know exactly what you need, it is possible to find a better deal online. Be careful whom you do business with. Stick with companies headquartered in the United States that have been operating for a reasonable amount of time. If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is. The most reputable websites will have strong customer service, and offer easy ways to contact them outside the website. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution.

No deal on medicine is worth ending up in the hospital for. Use caution when buying drugs online, and when in doubt, see a pharmacist.

Filed Under: Health Care, Health Tips, Medicines Tagged With: drugs, Hospital, Medicine

What’s the risk of infection in the hospital?

Most of us think of the hospital as a safe place, a cure for what ails us. Often times, however, hospitals can actually act as a vector for illness. The medical industry refers to infections contracted within a hospital as healthcare associated infections, or HAIs. According to a study conducted in 2001, the risk of HAI was about 5 percent in the US. As a result, thousands of people die in hospitals each year from HAIs.

There are several steps one can take when hospitalized in order to reduce their chances of suffering from a HAI. The first precaution is to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your food or your mouth excessively. Some bugs can live on surfaces for weeks – don’t take chances. Keep an eye on medical staff and visitors and see that they wash their hands regularly, too. Another simple precaution: ask to be tested for feared super-bug methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) before you’re admitted. If you do have MRSA, the hospital staff may give you medicine or take other precautions.

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or surgeon about their rate of infection before they perform a procedure. The good ones are all happy to disclose it. If you’re set to undergo surgery, don’t shave the area where the surgery is to take place. The small nicks and cuts caused by razors can often breed infection. If hair must be cleared, use clippers instead. Be extra cautious if you require an IV tube or urinary catheter, as these are common sites of infection. Alert your doctor at once if you detect any redness, swelling or feel excess warmth in the area where a catheter or IV has been inserted.

Of course, it’s important that fear of infection doesn’t stop you from being treated in the hospital. In most cases, simply precautions can reduce the risk of HAI dramatically, and ensure you’re quickly on the road to recovery.

Filed Under: Health Care, Health Tips, Medicines Tagged With: Infectious disease, Medicine, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

How to choose a hospital

It can be a very difficult decision to choose a hospital. Of course, all patients want to ensure they receive the very best care, yet statistically, only 50 percent of hospitals can practice above-average medicine. Additionally, most people give little thought to as to which hospital in their area is best – until they’re in need.

Generally, there is no one way to measure the overall care of a hospital. There are many factors that contribute to how good a hospital is, and many organizations that track them. First, check if the industry group Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has certified a hospital. The JCAHO ranks hospitals on a scale of 1-6, so it provides detailed information. Depending on where a hospital is located, chances are that they have a rank with various state or local groups as well. Several states also require hospitals to publish annual reports on the quality of their care.

Private organizations provide grades for hospitals as well. One of the largest of these groups is The Leapfrog Group, which has an online database available to consumers. Another popular private ranking organization is called HealthGrades. They charge a fee for their data. Medicare patients can inquire with the social insurance program to find out how well a hospital compares to other hospitals that accept Medicare. Even social media hub Yelp has ratings for hospitals, although their methods can hardly be considered scientific. Finally, your general practitioner can be a strong resource as well. Most doctors are intimately familiar with the reputations of local hospitals and may even know the staff.

As in making any other decision, it’s best to draw information from a variety of sources when judging the quality of a hospital. Learn as much as you can before undergoing any procedure, and don’t be afraid to travel for a facility known as the best in their field. Of course, after you’ve been treated, you can consider joining the conversation and providing feedback on your experience.

Filed Under: Health Care, Health Tips, Medicines Tagged With: Hospital, Joint Commission, Medicine

Be an empowered patient at the hospital

There are few people who enjoying being in hospitals. By definition, they are frightening and unpleasant. This atmosphere causes some patients to feel as if their care is largely out of their hands. By being an empowered and aware hospital patient, you increase your chances of a speedy recovery to good health. It’s important not to feel overwhelmed, but to be proactive about ensuring your receive the very best possible care.

You can begin to empower yourself as a patient by making sure that you select the best hospital in your area. Look for a hospital with experts recognized in their field of medicine as well as the latest high-tech tools.

Remember that hospital medicine is a different medical practice than care outside the hospital, say, by a general practitioner. Hospital medicine introduces a wide range of medical staff, each with specialized roles. Take note of exactly which people are involved in your care (it’s easy to loose track as they are often rushed on rounds) and what their routine is. How often are they required to provide treatment? How fastidious are they about checking medication and washing their hands? Don’t hesitate to speak up if you feel something isn’t right.

It’s also important to ask questions. If you don’t understand a treatment or procedure, grill your doctors until it makes sense. Before undergoing any serious treatment, try to get a second opinion. In many cases, some doctors may not be aware of the alternatives to care for a particular condition. Don’t agree to a regimen unless you’re convinced it’s appropriate.

Just by taking an active interest in your care, medical staff will be put on notice to pay you just that little extra bit of attention. In addition to the better treatment, you can rest easy understanding any malady that affects you and what the best way to proceed is. An empowered patient with the mindset to get better.

Filed Under: Health Care, Medicines Tagged With: Health, Hospital, Medicine