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susan smith

portland, OR
Commenter for
1 year 17 weeks

Recent Comments

Posted on 05/12/12 at 11:43 am in response to Increasing social connectedness: Let's make a difference

Talking to your neighbor about health can also trigger questions you can ask your doctor or other providers. Do I really need an MRI for my knee pain? How much does it cost? Are there alternatives? You'll be surprised what you will learn when you ask questions. http://whatstherealcost.org/video.php?post=five-questions

Posted on 05/01/12 at 06:47 pm in response to Has your doctor disappeared?

This is the sad example of our health care system because of how we pay doctors. The incentive is not there to get the patient well; but rather it's about seeing as many patients as possible in one day. But that is slowly changing. Between national and state laws and a strong push by the public demanding more accountability, focus on outcomes and quality and transparent prices, there is a shift upon the health care landscape. We patients need to keep pushing for affordable access and the...

Posted on 01/16/12 at 12:52 pm in response to As recession holds down health spending, have you made choices to forgo or delay treatment?

Access is critical to containing costs. And access to culturally appropriate care if also very important. We want to talk to doctors who understand our circumstances and have solid interpersonal skills. This is when a trusting relationship forms so that we are comfortable asking tough questions. Costs matter today. And patients want to know if they can afford treatments & meds and what the alternatives are.