DISCLAIMER: I was given The Patient’s Playbook to review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by any of the companies. I will always give you an open, honest review of the product. Remember, any products listed on this website that you decide to try is your own decision. Colitis Ninja will not be held liable for any results that come from using any of the products that I have reviewed. For more details, read my disclaimer.
The Patient’s Playbook
A Book Every IBD Patient Needs to Read
I’ll be honest. When I was first given The Patient’s Playbook to review, my first thought was, Ain’t nobody got time for this!
Don’t get me wrong. I love to read. But most days, for me anyway, I just don’t have the time to sit down and read. However, just 16 pages into the book, I thought, Ain’t nobody got time NOT to read this book! Especially when you’re living with a chronic illness!
The Patient’s Playbook changed my life forever. The author, Mr. Leslie D. Michelson, provides great insight on how to navigate the healthcare system, how to advocate for yourself to get the very best care for you and your loved ones, and how to approach medical professionals with any questions or concerns you may have. He also reminds us that as patients, and American citizens, we have certain rights we should use them to our benefit.
You Don’t Have to Feel Helpless
Patients, more often than not feel helpless and at the mercy of their doctors and the horribly broken healthcare system. But Mr. Michelson reminds us that it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s ok to be an informed patient. It’s ok to question your doctors and advocate for yourself. It’s also ok to educate yourself and read up on your disease and the various treatments that are available. In fact, it’s imperative that you do this. You are NOT powerless with your own health.
Mr. Michelson offers practical, experienced and real-life advice on things like how to find a good doctor, how to work with your health insurance companies to get the best treatments and how to find accurate information about your conditions and the treatments. He provides three signs that tell you it’s time to find a new Primary Care Physician. He even encourages patients to shop around and interview multiple doctors before you choosing your doctor. Something else that I have stated time and again that if you are unsure about a treatment, you should seek a second opinion. Mr. Michelson states that you should get a second or even a third opinion. This is, after all, your heath!
Get Your Family Involved in Your Healthcare
The book also includes information about how to get your family involved and work as a team to ensure you get the best care. From being your cheerleader to your healthcare quarterback to your biggest advocate. They can help you contact drug companies, your insurance provider and your doctor. As they say, the squeaky wheel gets the grease and if you feel like you’re being neglected, your family team can be extremely beneficial in getting everything coordinated. Mr. Michelson points out that the biggest problem in the healthcare system is communication. It’s extremely important that everyone is on the same page.
There is so much information I could share with you from this book, but that would require me to rewrite the entire book! The bottom line is that I believe, as Mr. Michelson does, that we can change this broken healthcare system… it may take time, but we can if we really apply ourselves. Every patient should read this book. I believe that all of us can effect real change so that patients aren’t stuck and helpless with bad treatment, overmedication or misdiagnosed conditions.
The paperback version of this book will be released on October 18th, 2016. Be sure to like their Facebook Page, too!
