Having not been a patient for some time until recently, I can say unequivocally that becoming a patient requires a significant amount of energy:
- Making an appointment.
- Confirming an appointment.
- Getting pre-appointment labs.
- Going to appointment.
- Filling out forms.
- The appointment! ( Finally)
- Getting an appointment for MRI.
- Awaiting insurance approval for MRI.
- Getting MRI!
- Looking for results of MRI.
- Getting follow-up appointment for MRI.
- Going to Follow-up MRI appointment.
- Filling out more forms (Why?).
- MRI follow-up appointment (Finally, again).
- Logging on, paying labs bill.
- Logging on, paying balance of first appointment bill.
- Logging on, paying balance of MRI bill.
- Logging on, paying follow-up MRI appointment bill.
In just a couple of weeks, my simple health problem dominated a significant amount of my time and mental energy, and—equally important—caused an opportunity cost by breaking up my focus on some of my other projects.
So, one piece of advice directed at me by me (someone who knows exactly how to navigate the healthcare system): be clear on my desired outcome every time I touch the healthcare system; be even warier of any open-ended evaluations. The risk of healthcare engagements dominating my day-to-day life is real.