In the healthcare system, that means being involved in our care, making decisions, asking questions, and advocating for ourselves - in other words, co-owning our health process.
Hi Janice ~ I am surprised how timid I am at the doctor's. That's definitely not me anywhere else. I've been having some heart concerns, but I kept apologizing to the cardiologist at my recent appointment -- for maybe bothering her. Yikes! She was gracious and said she was glad I came in. And I'm having a nuclear stress test next week. Gees, I need to start advocating for myself more -- and not feel guilty about it. ~ Jan xoxo
I feel like I just came to understand how high the level of difficulty it feels like when navigating the healthcare system.
During the last couple weeks, I realized I needed to seek a therapist specialist in order to improve my mental health. It was my first time navigating insurance as a 26 year old transitionig from my parents insurance to my own. I started researching for therapists, deciding on a specialist due to effectiveness and fit for me over in network. Then I had to call and ask a representative questions on a call usual logistic insurance processes like how to submit a claim for out-of network. An AI was the first in line to respond and I had to figure out what phrase to say to get to talk to a person, and had to call and wait.
It was also extremely confusing but I was able to be able to confirm my insurance benefits. My potential therapist also had to prompt me to call them, since I would’ve not done so and decide not to go due to initial perceived cost.
Unless I book for appointments and speak up regarding my health, it’ll usually just be a general checkup and that’s it. This can lead to conditions developing and getting worse. It’s the feeling fighting for every inch of your life to get health treatment, and the only thing we can do to combat this is to control things on our end as self-advocates.
Thanks Janice! This really helps to remind me that there are things I can personally do to advocate for my health in a failing system.
Hi Cecilia, Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. No one should have to go through that. It's not a friendly system, is it? So, everything we can do to make it easier and more effective for ourselves is a plus.
Hi Janice, I really enjoyed reading this. I hope you're ok now, seeing how it's been awhile since you've posted. I lost my mom to Ovarian cancer. She was 85, and I miss her so much. My Dad and I are Navy retirees, and my dad is in a new VA care facility here on Oahu. He has dementia, but I'm glad he's now in 24/7 care. I would love to hear more from you.
Your essay needs to read by anyone beginning or already involved in a medical care journey. While it may be true that old age is not for sissies, neither is being in need of health "care."
Would you like to be a guest on our podcast? To promote your soon-to-be-published book? Contact us at Oldish: Conversations on aging in the 21st Century (Gregg and Se. Janet)
In the healthcare system, that means being involved in our care, making decisions, asking questions, and advocating for ourselves - in other words, co-owning our health process.
Hi Janice ~ I am surprised how timid I am at the doctor's. That's definitely not me anywhere else. I've been having some heart concerns, but I kept apologizing to the cardiologist at my recent appointment -- for maybe bothering her. Yikes! She was gracious and said she was glad I came in. And I'm having a nuclear stress test next week. Gees, I need to start advocating for myself more -- and not feel guilty about it. ~ Jan xoxo
Hi Jan, I suspect we all need to do that - advocate for ourselves more. Also, best thoughts as you go through the test.
I feel like I just came to understand how high the level of difficulty it feels like when navigating the healthcare system.
During the last couple weeks, I realized I needed to seek a therapist specialist in order to improve my mental health. It was my first time navigating insurance as a 26 year old transitionig from my parents insurance to my own. I started researching for therapists, deciding on a specialist due to effectiveness and fit for me over in network. Then I had to call and ask a representative questions on a call usual logistic insurance processes like how to submit a claim for out-of network. An AI was the first in line to respond and I had to figure out what phrase to say to get to talk to a person, and had to call and wait.
It was also extremely confusing but I was able to be able to confirm my insurance benefits. My potential therapist also had to prompt me to call them, since I would’ve not done so and decide not to go due to initial perceived cost.
Unless I book for appointments and speak up regarding my health, it’ll usually just be a general checkup and that’s it. This can lead to conditions developing and getting worse. It’s the feeling fighting for every inch of your life to get health treatment, and the only thing we can do to combat this is to control things on our end as self-advocates.
Thanks Janice! This really helps to remind me that there are things I can personally do to advocate for my health in a failing system.
Hi Cecilia, Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. No one should have to go through that. It's not a friendly system, is it? So, everything we can do to make it easier and more effective for ourselves is a plus.
Hi Janice, I really enjoyed reading this. I hope you're ok now, seeing how it's been awhile since you've posted. I lost my mom to Ovarian cancer. She was 85, and I miss her so much. My Dad and I are Navy retirees, and my dad is in a new VA care facility here on Oahu. He has dementia, but I'm glad he's now in 24/7 care. I would love to hear more from you.
Your essay needs to read by anyone beginning or already involved in a medical care journey. While it may be true that old age is not for sissies, neither is being in need of health "care."
Hi Marcia, your point is well taken. Thanks for bringing it to light.
Would you like to be a guest on our podcast? To promote your soon-to-be-published book? Contact us at Oldish: Conversations on aging in the 21st Century (Gregg and Se. Janet)
Janet, Thanks for thinking of me. Perhaps at a later time, after the book is published.