Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Dr. Ruthann Russo

Broadcast and podcast:
6-30-08 on webtalkradio.net
after 7-7-08 podcast availabe on the links below 

 

 Get What You Want from Doctors, Hospitals, and Insurance [58:10m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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What you don’t know about healthcare can hurt you, even kill you. What if you knew how to get your doctor to focus on your goals, get the information you need from your doctor, and enjoy the process as well? What if you knew a little karate for getting specialists, hospitals, and nursing homes to do what they are supposed to do and share information with you? Would you like to know how to comprehend all those EOBs, bills, and statements? How about not paying $2 for an aspirin at a hospital? Would you like to know how to organize your medical records so you have the information when you need it and can even give it to your doctor?

Dr. Ruthann Russo teaches physicians and hospitals how to keep better records and provide better services. She teaches consumers how to navigate our disease care system to get the services they need. Her credentials include a Master’s degree in Public Health, a doctorate in Business Administration, and a law degree. Her brand new book is 7 Steps of Your Best Possible Healthcare. Her blog website is www.RuthannRusso.com

Resource websites mentioned on the show:

www.qualitycheck.org   Joint Commission
www.abms.org   American Bard of Medical Specialties
www.healthgrades.com   
www.vimo.com    compare hospitals
www.Medicare.gov

Blood tests Dr. Brickey recommended everyone get at least once:
>homocystine –a common easily correctible cause of cardiovascular disease
>A1C –the best test to catch diabetes early
>iron –especially for men, make sure you don’t have too much (or too little)
>C-reactive protein –catches problems with inflamation early (inflamation is a leading contributor to cardiovascular diesease and many other diseases)
>VLDL –don’t settle for just total cholesterol, HDL and LDL level, the Very Low Density Lipids do the most damage.