Dr. You

Your engagement and self-advocacy are essential if you want to access affordable, safe, and quality healthcare and services in the U.S. There are too many barriers and competing financial interests for your doctors, insurance providers, or other healthcare professionals to accomplish this for you without your active participation and leadership.

Dr. You’s Patient Handbooks empower you to understand your rights, ask the right questions at the right time, find the right providers, pay for care, and understand each step in advocating for yourself so you can access safe, quality, and affordable care, regardless of your circumstances, preferences, or finances.

A Note for Caregivers

If you care for a loved one, these handbooks are also for you. They contain valuable information and resources to help you advocate for your loved one’s health and well-being and maintain your own health.

U.S. Healthcare is Confusing and Disconnected

As a patient or caregiver, it is common to feel overwhelmed by your own emotions, insurance jargon, medical bills, doctors’ speak, treatment decisions, and constant roadblocks to accessing quality healthcare, services, and support. Being an active participant in your care is more important than ever. Here’s why:

• Improved Safety and Quality: Studies have shown that engaged patients experience better health outcomes and are less likely to experience medical errors ([Source: Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Engaging Patients and Families]). By asking questions, understanding your treatment options, and communicating effectively with your healthcare team, you can help ensure that you receive safe, high-quality care.

• Cost Savings: Self-advocacy can also help you save money on healthcare costs. By understanding your insurance coverage, negotiating bills, and exploring cost-effective treatment options, you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that many Americans struggle to afford healthcare, highlighting the need for cost-conscious decision-making ([Source: Kaiser Family Foundation, Data Note: Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs]).

• Personalized Care: You know your body, health history, and preferences better than anyone else. By actively participating in your care, you can ensure that your treatment plan aligns with your individual needs and values.

• System Limitations: While many healthcare professionals provide excellent care, they are also subject to system constraints. Doctors may have limited time with each patient, and insurance companies may prioritize cost-cutting measures. By advocating for yourself, you can ensure that your needs are not overlooked.

What You’ll Learn

Throughout these handbooks, you will find real patient stories, step-by-step solutions to common problems, and resources to help you confidently navigate your healthcare journey. You will learn:

• Your rights and protections under U.S. laws.
• The steps to take when you suspect something is wrong with your health, what to do after a diagnosis, how to find and manage insurance, what to do during a hospital stay, how to safely transferring care settings, options for paying for care, simple steps for choosing treatment, how to find the best doctors and specialists, where and how to quickly find accurate online information, support for caring for a loved one, and much more.
• How to access resources and support: Find reliable health information, connect with patient advocacy organizations, and utilize government programs.
• Best practices for managing healthcare costs, including negotiating bills, exploring cost-saving strategies, and utilizing financial assistance programs.
• About managing your health insurance coverage, including Medicare and Medicaid. We will simplify the complexities of health insurance plans, including premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums.
• How to research and select a primary care physician, specialists who meet your needs and preferences, and hospitals that successfully treat your conditions.
• The advantages of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout your healthcare journey.
• Tips for communicating effectively with your entire healthcare team, including taking control by asking the right questions, understanding medical jargon, and advocating for your preferences.
• Proven methods for making informed decisions, evaluating treatment options, weighing the benefits and risks of tests and treatments, and obtaining second and third opinions covered by your insurance when necessary.
• The keys to navigating hospital care and discharges, including understanding your patient rights, preventing medical errors, and ensuring a smooth discharge to your home or a new care setting.

Getting Started

• Keep a Record: Start tracking your symptoms, medications, and medical appointments in a notebook or digital document.
• Gather Your Medical Records: Request copies of your medical records from your doctors and hospitals.
• Review Your Insurance Policy: Familiarize yourself with your insurance plan’s benefits, coverage, and limitations.
• Create a List of Questions: Before your next doctor’s appointment, write down all your questions.