Ep 21 How We Learn to Be a Patient, Part 2

Well. I'm a 52 year old retired physician, have been a pretty sick patient many times, and STILL today struggle with navigating the health system regularly. So if I am having trouble, how are young adults supposed to learn to do this? Sure, they're generally in less need of healthcare services in general, but most of them get a vaccine here and there, or get a little sick and go for urgent care, or need school or work forms filled out. This episode is not about solutions, I'm afraid - stay tuned for that later on. For now, I'm just trying to get a basic understanding of how they're even thinking about it. Common themes include 1) denial 2) only get care if I think I'm dying 3) health insurance is all-around confusing and more.

I'm thinking that they need some more life schooling on how the healthcare system works. Parents who are reading this, start the conversation soon. Discuss how you think it all works, help them understand the basics of how to make an appointment, where to call, who to see. Explain their insurance situation to the best of your ability. Tell them about your family history, at least what you know of it. Get them to write it all down somewhere.

At least this is all a start.