Increase In Educational

Opportunities For Patients

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that ". . . many patients are flying blind into the operating room.  A review of available evidence in the American Journal of Surgery in 2009 found that adequate overall understanding . . . [prior] to a decision to have surgery was reported in less than one-third of studies."

The article goes on to describe the great efforts being made by medical providers to educate their patients, including interactive Web-based tutorials and interactive applications.

There is no excuse for failing to learn about one's medical issues and understand any recommended tests or procedures. There are lectures, interactive programs and books to educate the patient. Especially in a world of ever-increasing treatment options, the patient needs to be active in the learning and decision process.  An educated, observant patient maximizes the benefits and minimize mistakes, problems and surprises.

Another Endorsement and Another Step Closer to Launch

Motivational Press will be sending Patient Confidential to the printer in a few days.  Look for the launch in late November or early December.

I was very pleased to receive the following endorsement from Julia M. Byerly, PT CLT-LANA - Physical Therapist:

 

Patient Confidential is an amazing book that provides pertinent information to assist each person in making health care decisions, whether it is for a routine physical or an unfortunate trip to the emergency room.  Rich educates readers on the intricate details of our ever-changing world of medicine, with his educated background as a healthcare attorney, extensive research and above all, his own personal experiences and healthcare endeavors.  This quick and easy book will empower each and every reader to truly become an advocate for him or herself when tackling the complex world of healthcare

Launch of Patient Confidential

We are getting close to going to the printer with Patient Confidential, Tips and Advice To Keep You Safe As You Navigate the Healthcare System.

I am proud to have received another endorsement for the book.

Internationally known neurosurgeon and innovator, Fred Geisler, M.D., Ph. D., McLaren Medical Center, Petoskey, Michigan wrote: 

"From my perspective as a practicing physician, an informed and knowledgeable patient makes my job a lot easier.  I highly recommend Richard Lang’s book for anyone interfacing with the complexities of the medical system."

Writing is Easy

To my fellow writers, I offer one of my favorite quotes about writing:

Gene Fowler said: §  "Writing is easy. All you do is stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead."

Patient Confidential Endorsements

Steven J. Mash, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon and founding shareholder of M & M Orthpaedics, Ltd. Wrote: “Patient Confidential is the book every doctor wishes their patient would read before starting treatment.  Patient Confidential will give the reader the ability to be a smart consumer and partner in his or her own health care decisions.”

 

Lois Hoitenga Roelofs, Ph.D., RN, Professor Emerita of Nursing, Trinity Christian College and Author of Caring Lessons: A Nursing Professor’s Journey of Faith and Self wrote: “From my perspective as a nurse, teacher, and oftentimes patient myself, I recommend Patient Confidential as a must-have tool that promises to greatly diminish fear-of-the-unknown that naturally occurs when pushed into new and strange environments. Lang’s humor, too, will smooth your journey.”

Good News About Healthcare

 

As I write in my new book, Patient Confidential, Tips and Advice to Keep You Safe As You Navigate the Healthcare System, “the good news is that as an educated and vigilant patient or caregiver, you can protect yourself or your loved-one from incompetent healthcare providers, competent ones who make honest mistakes, ones who are dishonest, and health insurance companies.”

Countdown to Launch - Patient Confidential

I am anxiously anticipating the launch this Fall of my new book, Patient Confidential, Tips and Advice to Keep You Safe As You Navigate the Healthcare System. Unfortunately, I am a frequent-flier patient. It started in earnest when I was twelve years old and has continued for over fifty-seven years. I have had over thirty-five surgeries or invasive procedures and spent, in the aggregate, over sixty days in at least six hospitals and countless partial days in outpatient surgery settings, MRI machines, CT Scanners, physical therapy clinics, doctors’ offices and laboratories. I wrote Patient Confidential because I think I can help almost all people, whether they are patients or care givers, by relating all that I learned from my too-vast experience.

 

Rich Lang