How to Be a Patient: The Essential Guide to Navigating the World of Modern Medicine

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 42 ratings

Price: 22.04

Last update: 12-18-2024


About this item

From registered nurse and public health advocate Sana Goldberg, RN, a timely, accessible, and comprehensive handbook to navigating common medical situations. From the routine to the unexpected, How to Be a Patient is your ultimate guide to better health care.

Did you know that patients have statistically better outcomes when their surgeon is female? That you can mark up an informed consent sheet before you sign it or get second opinions on CTs and MRIs? That there’s a blue book for health-care procedures or an algorithm to decide between ER, urgent care, and waiting until Monday?

In How to Be a Patient, nurse and public health advocate Sana Goldberg walks listeners through the complicated and uncertain medical landscape, illuminating a path to better care.

Warm and disarmingly honest, Goldberg’s advice is as expert as it is accessible. In the face of an epidemic of brusque, impersonal care, she empowers listeners with the information and tools to come to good decisions with their providers and sidestep the challenging realities of modern medicine.

With sections like "When All Is Well", "When It’s an Emergency", "When It’s Your Person", and "When You Have to Stand Up to the Industry", along with appendices to help track family history, avoid pointless medical tests, and choose when and where to undergo a procedure, How to Be a Patient is an invaluable and essential guide for a new generation of patients.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.


Top reviews from the United States

  • GardenGerty
    5.0 out of 5 stars I ordered this as a gift
    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2024
    My husband has faced lots of medical challenges for the last six years. He had read about this book and wanted it, so of course I got it from Amazon. He found it helpful and has enjoyed sharing it with both professionals and friends.
  • David Hale
    4.0 out of 5 stars Essential life skills.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2019
    This book should be required reading for everyone that has or will be taking on the wild morass that is the healthcare system. Reading that line, that probably is all of us. Sana Goldberg RN has put together a guidance system to help us through in this book. Her vast knowledge as a practicing nurse on the front-lines is valuable information that will save money in determining what is really necessary and at what cost. Taken one step further it may even save lives by the practical advice on avoiding the dangers one is exposed to in the hospital environment that is supposed to fix us.

    Every topic imaginable is dealt with here, and it is vast. From understanding symptoms to taking on big pharma, and big insurance. Each topic opens up many subtopics to contend with, and all are explained insight-fully and proactively. Much attention is paid to communication which seems to be key to understanding the whys and wherefores of complex treatments and procedures. What to ask and when. Being assertive without being obnoxious.

    It is the type of book that might take several readings to soak in all that is necessary to understand. It will also serve as a go to reference as medical needs arise and in tackling the many aspects of health that will come with ageing. In essence a useful book that will benefit anyone concerned about their healthcare and well being. And that anyone should be everyone.
  • S. Birch
    5.0 out of 5 stars I recommend this seller
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2024
    I recommend this seller.
    The book was new, as advertised.
    It arrived right on time.
  • pat
    3.0 out of 5 stars Simple
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2019
    Good book if you are looking for medical answers it’s simple language and an easy read. You can get best advice from a registered nurse.
  • Agent 99
    5.0 out of 5 stars Handy reference
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2019
    Good information and enjoyable style with good organization for reference. Read it before my surgery and kept it on my tray table in the hospital. The only professional that commented on it was the Occupational Therapist. MD's and RN's ignored it, but I was an awesome patient so maybe they considered it helpful. Many of the suggestions for the patient to watch for were already protocol at my University Hospital, such as, nursing shift change always took place in the room with the patient, and rapid response contact number posted in the room. The book would have alerted me to request these things if not provided.
  • Elizabeth Kelley
    5.0 out of 5 stars a good book for avid readers and non readers
    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2019
    I am not an avid reader. Rarely will you see me leisurely walking the aisles of a book store.Notwithstanding,this book caught my eye. Im now in my 70's a diabetic and concerned about intimidating health issues im likely to encounter. This book is well researched and crossed referrenced by a nurse/scholar who happens to be a gifted writer A surprisingly interesting tome in its own right, it's the proverbial compass that we all will need down the road. Good book!

    a valuable compass I will need
  • Caren
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a book that EVERYONE should have!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2019
    I ordered this book after listening to the author, Sana Goldberg, speak on the Brian Lehrer Show. How to Be a Patient is an invaluable book for any individual looking to take ownership of their heath care, or how to be a better advocate for a family member or loved one. Every page is full of wisdom and practical advice, and the chapters are very readable. I will be buying more books for family and friends!
  • Michael74
    5.0 out of 5 stars You are in charge of your healthcare
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2019
    Great book. A must read! This helps you understand you are in charge of your health. This book not teaches you to ask questions but which questions to ask. All healthcare professionals also need to read this book.

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