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The Patient's Playbook: How to Save Your Life and the Lives of Those You Love
Too many Americans die each year as a result of preventable medical error—mistakes, complications, and misdiagnoses. And many more of us are not receiving the best care possible, even though it’s readily available and we’re entitled to it. The key is knowing how to access it.
The Patient’s Playbook is a call to action. It will change the way you manage your health and the health of your family, and it will show you how to choose the right doctor, coordinate the best care, and get to the No-Mistake Zone in medical decision making. Leslie D. Michelson has devoted his life’s work to helping people achieve superior medical outcomes at every stage of their lives. Michelson presents real-life stories that impart lessons and illuminate his easy-to-follow strategies for navigating complex situations and cases.
The Patient’s Playbook is an essential guide to the most effective techniques for getting the best from a broken system: sourcing excellent physicians, selecting the right treatment protocols, researching with precision, and structuring the ideal support team. Along the way you will learn:
Why having the right primary care physician will change your life
Three things you can do right now to be better prepared when illness strikes
The ten must-ask questions at the end of a hospital stay
How to protect yourself from unnecessary and dangerous treatments
Ways to avoid the four most common mistakes in the first twenty-four hours of a medical emergency
This book will enable you to become a smarter health care consumer—and to replace anxiety with confidence.
The Patient’s Playbook is a call to action. It will change the way you manage your health and the health of your family, and it will show you how to choose the right doctor, coordinate the best care, and get to the No-Mistake Zone in medical decision making. Leslie D. Michelson has devoted his life’s work to helping people achieve superior medical outcomes at every stage of their lives. Michelson presents real-life stories that impart lessons and illuminate his easy-to-follow strategies for navigating complex situations and cases.
The Patient’s Playbook is an essential guide to the most effective techniques for getting the best from a broken system: sourcing excellent physicians, selecting the right treatment protocols, researching with precision, and structuring the ideal support team. Along the way you will learn:
Why having the right primary care physician will change your life
Three things you can do right now to be better prepared when illness strikes
The ten must-ask questions at the end of a hospital stay
How to protect yourself from unnecessary and dangerous treatments
Ways to avoid the four most common mistakes in the first twenty-four hours of a medical emergency
This book will enable you to become a smarter health care consumer—and to replace anxiety with confidence.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2015
56 people are currently reading
842 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 22, 2015
A very useful book. If you want to control your health care, consider this as a fine reference work.
Concerned about a diagnosis? Get a second opinion. Wonder if your specialist is up to speed? Seek out specialists who are at the top of their game and on top of the research generated about a procedure or a medical problem.
The key point of the book? Don't settle for what you have normally received as service. Seek out the best medical advice that you can get. Take charge of your own medical care. . . .
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Concerned about a diagnosis? Get a second opinion. Wonder if your specialist is up to speed? Seek out specialists who are at the top of their game and on top of the research generated about a procedure or a medical problem.
The key point of the book? Don't settle for what you have normally received as service. Seek out the best medical advice that you can get. Take charge of your own medical care. . . .
Comment Comment | Permalink
September 11, 2015
Oh my God. This book is amazing. Life-changing. Eye-opening. In the first few pages, author Michelson says, "By the time you finish reading this book, you will have completely rethought the way you interact with care-giving and hospitals." And he's 100% right. I couldn't believe how much good advice is in this book. I've already implemented a few changes in my own life, and there are some other tidbits of advice that I am going to save for when I (or one of my family members) faces a major medical situation.
Here are some of the best recommendations Michelson gives:
(*) Find a good primary care physician and develop a good relationship with her or him.
(*) Plot your family's medical history. What did they die of? What major illnesses did they have?
(*) Get a copy of ALL your medical records.
(*) Find the closest emergency room now, BEFORE you face a major medical emergency.
(*) Find the closest PEDIATRIC emergency room, since kids, especially babies, need their own specialized hospital.
(*) Carry a USB drive with your important medical information in your wallet.
(*) Have a note on the back of your driver's license that lists your medications, medical conditions, allergies, and contact info.
And when I or someone I love is having a medical crisis, I am going to remember to:
(*) either be or find a "quarterback": a detail-oriented, organized, emotionally savvy advocate who is good at research and can be in charge of looking at the medical situation holistically.
(*) look for doctors who have published articles about your specific diagnosis, and then contact said doctors to ask for opinions or referrals.
(*) educate yourself about your specific disease--before treatment (unless it's a true emergency situation).
(*) do not begin treatment until you know your specific diagnosis and all of your viable treatment options.
(*) do not over-treat.
And there is much more. I took so many notes while reading this book. I now feel way more confident in my ability to handle a major medical diagnosis. I feel genuinely prepared to talk to doctors, ask for help from specialists, research conditions (Michelson lists MANY good research resources), choose the right treatment, and work to coordinate care between my doctors. Also, Michelson explains in detail his steps to achieve the "No Mistake Zone," and I will definitely consult that list if I'm ever in crisis.
I think one of the things I love most about this book is that Michelson affirms that we are not crazy to be intimidated by THE SYSTEM. Interacting with hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, etc., is overwhelming. Like me, most people assume doctors know what they are doing, that there is a black and white way to interpret tests and symptoms and treatment plans. But truthfully, this is complicated, nuanced stuff. And doctors are just people like the rest of us. Most are trying to do the best job they can for their patients, but they are rushed and stressed, too. I felt like Michelson gave me permission to acknowledge the anxiety that interacting with the healthcare system brings, but then to stand up for myself and for my family. There are a bunch of doctors quoted in this book that say they actually LIKE when their patients are educated and involved and ask questions. And if a doctor is annoyed if I try to dig deeper to better understand what I'm being told, that indicates a problem with the doctor, not with me. There is something extremely validating about that message.
In short, I finished this book and I felt that I had, indeed, changed the way I plan to interact with my doctor (and especially my kids' doctors). I feel empowered and much more knowledgeable. I am so grateful I read this book at this point in my life. I feel like I have time to prepare for an emergency, and I feel infinitely more ready to act when I (inevitably) find myself in a medical crisis. What a valuable resource.
Here are some of the best recommendations Michelson gives:
(*) Find a good primary care physician and develop a good relationship with her or him.
(*) Plot your family's medical history. What did they die of? What major illnesses did they have?
(*) Get a copy of ALL your medical records.
(*) Find the closest emergency room now, BEFORE you face a major medical emergency.
(*) Find the closest PEDIATRIC emergency room, since kids, especially babies, need their own specialized hospital.
(*) Carry a USB drive with your important medical information in your wallet.
(*) Have a note on the back of your driver's license that lists your medications, medical conditions, allergies, and contact info.
And when I or someone I love is having a medical crisis, I am going to remember to:
(*) either be or find a "quarterback": a detail-oriented, organized, emotionally savvy advocate who is good at research and can be in charge of looking at the medical situation holistically.
(*) look for doctors who have published articles about your specific diagnosis, and then contact said doctors to ask for opinions or referrals.
(*) educate yourself about your specific disease--before treatment (unless it's a true emergency situation).
(*) do not begin treatment until you know your specific diagnosis and all of your viable treatment options.
(*) do not over-treat.
And there is much more. I took so many notes while reading this book. I now feel way more confident in my ability to handle a major medical diagnosis. I feel genuinely prepared to talk to doctors, ask for help from specialists, research conditions (Michelson lists MANY good research resources), choose the right treatment, and work to coordinate care between my doctors. Also, Michelson explains in detail his steps to achieve the "No Mistake Zone," and I will definitely consult that list if I'm ever in crisis.
I think one of the things I love most about this book is that Michelson affirms that we are not crazy to be intimidated by THE SYSTEM. Interacting with hospitals, doctors, insurance companies, etc., is overwhelming. Like me, most people assume doctors know what they are doing, that there is a black and white way to interpret tests and symptoms and treatment plans. But truthfully, this is complicated, nuanced stuff. And doctors are just people like the rest of us. Most are trying to do the best job they can for their patients, but they are rushed and stressed, too. I felt like Michelson gave me permission to acknowledge the anxiety that interacting with the healthcare system brings, but then to stand up for myself and for my family. There are a bunch of doctors quoted in this book that say they actually LIKE when their patients are educated and involved and ask questions. And if a doctor is annoyed if I try to dig deeper to better understand what I'm being told, that indicates a problem with the doctor, not with me. There is something extremely validating about that message.
In short, I finished this book and I felt that I had, indeed, changed the way I plan to interact with my doctor (and especially my kids' doctors). I feel empowered and much more knowledgeable. I am so grateful I read this book at this point in my life. I feel like I have time to prepare for an emergency, and I feel infinitely more ready to act when I (inevitably) find myself in a medical crisis. What a valuable resource.
November 17, 2015
As someone who suffers from several Anxiety Disorders (and whose disorders are specifically connected to medical problems that I have, and may have, and keep imagining I have....and on and on) what I really appreciate about this book is that it made me feel prepared when I go to the doctor or hospital. The thing about anxiety disorders is that they are overwhelming...it is this constant feeling of fear, and of not being able to cope. In my case, it is this never-ending feeling of not being able to cope with what happens to me medically.
Now, unfortunetly for me, I actually do have serious medical problems, including a tumor, so, I can't just not go to the doctor's ever, of course. Every time I go, I petrified...I feel that "I can't handle this" feeling. This book made me feel more like I CAN actually handle it, because it gave me instructions, basically, for how to deal with doctors and the entire medical system. And something about having to those skills, and being able to prepare, makes me feel more confidant that I can handle things. Thanks!
Now, unfortunetly for me, I actually do have serious medical problems, including a tumor, so, I can't just not go to the doctor's ever, of course. Every time I go, I petrified...I feel that "I can't handle this" feeling. This book made me feel more like I CAN actually handle it, because it gave me instructions, basically, for how to deal with doctors and the entire medical system. And something about having to those skills, and being able to prepare, makes me feel more confidant that I can handle things. Thanks!
October 9, 2015
My rating reflects format--audiobook. Even addicts have to admit that some books simply don't work as well on audio. While this one has lots of great advice on all aspects of our lives with the world of medicine, there are too many lists. It's a great listen, rich in anecdotes, but there's simply too much information to take in. If I wanted to use this effectively, I'd need the book with all the questions to ask when choosing a doctor, when admitted to the hospital and on and on. Excellent book--but not on audio.
September 29, 2024
A good but slightly tedious read with some good reminders and tips on how to find the right medical care. I long for the day when our systems are optimized for this and it is not the luck of the draw or the money one has to ensure good medical care.
July 10, 2017
I work with individuals and families all the time who are overwhelmed and confounded by healthcare. The Patient's Playbook is an indispensable guide for them.
In fact, the game plan Michelson spells out is extremely helpful for anyone who expects to receive or come alongside someone receiving medical care at any level.
He covers everything on the front end of medical care and leaves others to inform us how to go about end of life care.
• how to find the best primary care physician (PCP)
• how to accumulate and provide the best information for and about you to obtain the best medical care possible
• how to navigate the ER and emergency medicine
• how and when to choose the best hospital for your needs
• how to relate to doctors
• how to determine what tests and medications are necessary
• how to manage chronic illness and complicated health situations
- Companion read: An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal
In fact, the game plan Michelson spells out is extremely helpful for anyone who expects to receive or come alongside someone receiving medical care at any level.
He covers everything on the front end of medical care and leaves others to inform us how to go about end of life care.
• how to find the best primary care physician (PCP)
• how to accumulate and provide the best information for and about you to obtain the best medical care possible
• how to navigate the ER and emergency medicine
• how and when to choose the best hospital for your needs
• how to relate to doctors
• how to determine what tests and medications are necessary
• how to manage chronic illness and complicated health situations
- Companion read: An American Sickness by Elisabeth Rosenthal
August 9, 2015
A must read for patients at any level. I wish I'd found it years ago when I was an average patient seeing only a gp occasionally. This book walks you through finding a good gp, understanding the medical system, making sure that you have all of your records in hand and that you understand them so that you are ready if a medical situation does occur. And if one does you know the steps to take to not just find a specialist but the best specialist for your case. This book is about becoming an informed patient and not just floating through the medical system assuming everything will be ok.
If you are healthy read this book now so you can be prepared should you or a lived one need it. If you are already waist deep in the medical system read this book so you can better understand what you are facing and make sure you are getting not only the right treatment but the best treatment possible.
If you are healthy read this book now so you can be prepared should you or a lived one need it. If you are already waist deep in the medical system read this book so you can better understand what you are facing and make sure you are getting not only the right treatment but the best treatment possible.
October 23, 2016
This is a really good resource for everyone. Almost everyone eventually becomes a patient and / or the primary support person for a patient. I wish this book had been available in 1998 for my first cancer diagnosis. I actually did quite a few of the author's recommendations during my adventure. It would have been helpful to know that I was taking appropriate actions; because, sometimes I felt like I was obsessively and anxiously micromanaging my treatment process. I never received negative feedback from my treatment team and I often got good responses from my proactive behavior. It would have been nice to know that I was on the right track and that what I did could improve my care and other future patients' care.
April 6, 2016
This is a must read for all those concerned with there health.
December 9, 2016
I have a friend who has many health issues and is seeing about 1 specialist a week (with little getting resolved). She also lacks confidence in her primary doctor, but she feels like she needs to just do what she's told. I'm healthy and already proactive about my own health, but I don't want to end up in a position like my friend. I also hoped that some tips from this book would help her.
The author is pro-"go see your doctor" just as long as you get the right doctors first! So we're told how to find a primary care doctor that you can have confidence in and who will work with you. We're also told how to effectively research health issues (is the treatment my doctor recommended the best one for me?) and find the specialists who are the best in their field.
We're also told how to get and organize copies of your health records to help your doctors coordinate (since apparently many medical errors occur when a doctor doesn't know what the others are doing). We're told what to do to be prepared and what to do when you have a serious health problem. A lot of the advice is about getting more proactive in your own health care rather than treating overworked, human doctors like gods or panicking and making a bad decision when you discover you have a health problem.
The RL stories didn't exactly inspire my confidence in doctors. However, the book contained some useful, practical information, and I do feel it'll help me be prepared. I've already done much of what the author suggested. However, I think the book would be the biggest help to someone like my friend as long as they have the courage to make a change. I'm going to talk with my friend about some of the suggestions in this book as I really think it'd help her situation.
I received this review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
The author is pro-"go see your doctor" just as long as you get the right doctors first! So we're told how to find a primary care doctor that you can have confidence in and who will work with you. We're also told how to effectively research health issues (is the treatment my doctor recommended the best one for me?) and find the specialists who are the best in their field.
We're also told how to get and organize copies of your health records to help your doctors coordinate (since apparently many medical errors occur when a doctor doesn't know what the others are doing). We're told what to do to be prepared and what to do when you have a serious health problem. A lot of the advice is about getting more proactive in your own health care rather than treating overworked, human doctors like gods or panicking and making a bad decision when you discover you have a health problem.
The RL stories didn't exactly inspire my confidence in doctors. However, the book contained some useful, practical information, and I do feel it'll help me be prepared. I've already done much of what the author suggested. However, I think the book would be the biggest help to someone like my friend as long as they have the courage to make a change. I'm going to talk with my friend about some of the suggestions in this book as I really think it'd help her situation.
I received this review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
April 4, 2018
I was skeptical when I started this, but it really has a lot of information on how to better interact with the healthcare system. The author runs a business that helps people get more out of their medical care, and he's compiled some great information.
Here are some of the main points:
1. Spend time searching for a great primary care physician, and lean on them as a person to help you manage your day-to-day health and to navigate the rest of the system if you need care from hospitals or specialists.
2. Compile your medical history and records and carry them with you(or at least have them accessible). This will save your doctors work tracking down your records, and could save your life.
3. Assemble a support team for when a serious illness or injury strikes.
4. Don't make rash decisions about your care. Ask questions, do research, and seek second opinions whenever possible.
The one thing I'm disappointed he didn't include was ways to reduce your costs in getting care, or even ways to find out how much your care will cost. But IDK maybe that's not even possible in our current system....
Here are some of the main points:
1. Spend time searching for a great primary care physician, and lean on them as a person to help you manage your day-to-day health and to navigate the rest of the system if you need care from hospitals or specialists.
2. Compile your medical history and records and carry them with you(or at least have them accessible). This will save your doctors work tracking down your records, and could save your life.
3. Assemble a support team for when a serious illness or injury strikes.
4. Don't make rash decisions about your care. Ask questions, do research, and seek second opinions whenever possible.
The one thing I'm disappointed he didn't include was ways to reduce your costs in getting care, or even ways to find out how much your care will cost. But IDK maybe that's not even possible in our current system....
October 15, 2022
One of the Best How to Medical Care Books I've Read
The Patient's Playbook is an amazing, eye-opening read: This book has life-saving information to prepare readers to find the best personal doctors and most successful hospitals, get the best individual care, keep safe during hospital stays, develop productive relationships with hospital staff, and keep informed and up- to- date about necessary care and medical procedures. Michelson helps with medical record organization, physician selection, and how to get the best and latest treatment. This book is a tremendous resource for anyone seeking the best medical care for themselves or their loved ones.
Thanks to Michelson, we can be well-informed and feel more secure during one of the most challenging times of our lives
The Patient's Playbook is an amazing, eye-opening read: This book has life-saving information to prepare readers to find the best personal doctors and most successful hospitals, get the best individual care, keep safe during hospital stays, develop productive relationships with hospital staff, and keep informed and up- to- date about necessary care and medical procedures. Michelson helps with medical record organization, physician selection, and how to get the best and latest treatment. This book is a tremendous resource for anyone seeking the best medical care for themselves or their loved ones.
Thanks to Michelson, we can be well-informed and feel more secure during one of the most challenging times of our lives
October 21, 2017
Can't recommend this book highly enough. Many, many important insights into how the health care system works. Michelson arms us with a great deal of valuable information regarding the importance of having a close relationship with a primary care doctor as well as what we need to do when we or a loved gets a bad diagnosis. I'm planning to give copies of this book to my friends and family.
January 20, 2018
This book is about how to become an empowered patient and ensure that you get the best medical treatment when required. To illustrate his points, the author uses lots of interesting real life cases. I won an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Goodreads Giveaways program.
September 23, 2019
This book was super informative with all the resources it provided and the tips the author gives on how to make the health care system work for you. I'm in the process of obtaining a new PCP so I found the chapter about that quite helpful/interesting. I actually had a piece of paper that I was jotting notes on as I listened - the information was that good. He brought up a lot of things I never would've thought to think about/research. I've always believed people should be more proactive with their health and not quite so reliant on their doctors and follow what they say without thinking for themselves if what the doctor is suggesting makes sense/works for them. This book pushed for everyone to get more involved in their health care, and I thought that was great!
December 8, 2016
I checked out this book from the library after seeing it on the shelf. I read it once and took notes, but I feel like I need to purchase a copy of it to keep for reference . This is book that every home needs!
April 17, 2018
Important book for humans...someday either you or someone you care for will be faced with a life altering health issue and Michelson's approach to navigating the medical world is sound and well thought out.
December 5, 2018
Everyone should read this. It's filled with fantastic information, and it's actually really engaging. I was expecting it to be informative, but either boring or hard to understand. I was pleasantly surprised by how great of a read it was.
December 15, 2019
One of the most worthwhile books I've read this year! Intelligent and interesting with the perfect recipe of data, interview quotes, and anecdotes. This is a book that both patients and physicians can cheer for.
August 20, 2017
Potentially very helpful
February 18, 2018
A sincere book with helpful advise for patients.
January 23, 2019
A must read along with You: The Patient
October 29, 2019
This is a must read going forward through the Healthcare system .
July 18, 2021
Extremely helpful, I learned a lot!
February 8, 2022
fantastic guide
My PCP passed away and I needed a new one. This book gave me a better idea of how to do that, and the importance of choosing a great care team.
My PCP passed away and I needed a new one. This book gave me a better idea of how to do that, and the importance of choosing a great care team.
February 25, 2017
I think this is one of those "must read" books for anyone making health decisions or who will be doing so in the future. That means everyone. (chuckle) I do a tremendous amount of medical research, and this explains well how the medical system works, from multiple perspectives -- doctor, patient, insurance company, etc. Gaps between them all are bridged with logic and some motivations revealed, along with maybe some trust established because all involved are simply human. The best thing to be learned from this book is how to be a medical advocate -- for yourself as well as for others -- being a "quarterback," as the author calls it. Don't just go into things with passiveness and acceptance of "the norm." Be in the game! Health is pretty important.
August 12, 2018
When you are sick, it is too late to read this book. Read it before you need it! There are other books like this one out there, but this one is relatively current, and focuses on issues that affect all of us everyday. I read this book 5 months after my husband nearly died of endocarditis caused congestive heart failure. SO MANY of the things that happened while he was in the hospital were wrong - some just incidentally wrong, others dangerously wrong. This book will influence the way I interact with health services from now on so that those things NEVER happen to us again!
January 1, 2018
Very good book, with extremely important information. However, sometimes the information was overwhelming. If I were to get sick, it would be nice to have an expert like Leslie D. Michelson by my side to steer my way through the myriad paths that could point to recovery. Otherwise, it's easy to get lost. That said, I think this book gives people a lot of different ideas for how they can take charge of their own recovery. Even if you were only to adopt two or three of the thousands of ideas Dr. Michelson offers, that should be a big help. I also think Dr. Michelson's book is worth reading over and over again, perhaps every year. And you should DEFINITELY read it if you or one of your loved ones gets sick!
二零一七年： 第三十三本书
二零一七年： 第三十三本书
August 9, 2015
This book contains a lot of useful information for patients at any level. At the very beginning, I didn’t think this would be such an interesting and useful book. This book made me rethink my current perspective towards the healthcare system. I actually talked to a few of my friends & relatives about this book and recommended them to read it. It’s good to become more informed. Don’t worry. This book is written in a very readable style.
I received a free ARC from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thanks for sending me this informative book.
I received a free ARC from the Goodreads First Reads program. Thanks for sending me this informative book.
June 9, 2016
I found this discussion of how to navigate health problems to be a very important message but sometimes I wanted it to be clearer and less repetitive. I understand that people like to hear stories of others who have been frustrated by being unable to find correct diagnoses for their maladies. The author definitely makes an impression with his examples and for this reason alone I would highly recommend this book. I have passed my copy on to my daughter-in-law who has very serious health problems in the hopes that it will encourage her to follow the author's suggestions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews