What You Don't Know Can Kill You: A Physician’s Radical Guide to Conquering the Obstacles to Excellent Medical Care – Empower Patients to Prevent Misdiagnosis and Navigate Healthcare

by Laura Walther Nathanson

In 2003, Dr. Laura Nathanson was widowed after the misdiagnosis of her beloved husband. After this tragedy, she was determined to help others protect themselves and their loved ones from similarly preventable health care disasters—and help them benefit from health care miracles. In What You Don't Know Can Kill You , Dr. Nathanson provides a guide to getting the best medical care and navigating our frustrating and often impenetrable health care system. In clear, non-medical language, she shows how Full of empathy for each individual patient and caregiver, What You Don't Know Can Kill You will empower patients to be their own best advocates.

203 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2007

Reviews

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provides a direct unbiased look into what can go wrong, be overlooked, and incorrectly handled within the medical profession. She writes without gore, hyperbole, and at times included tasteful comedy. Some areas are hard to hear as your heart is saddened at the treatment, missed opportunities, and dismissal moments directed to her family.

This is one of the rare books that can open the eyes of even the most skeptical. The dr. and her husband did everything that a regular patient would do and added options most patients would not have known about, have funds for, or access.

The negligence did not appear to be purposeful, yet it should have never happened. Clearly, there were some blatant errors. Interns/clinical physicians missed alarms on the x-Ray, incorrectly follow-up missing protocol, and well-meaning physicians acting outside of their skill and/or specialty.

The author comes across as an educated, smart, thoughtful, and caring physician who doubtless profoundly cares for others even after her loss and devastation. The tips and suggestions (what to do when you or a loved one needs care or is hospitalized) in this book gives me hope that her words and actions will make a difference.

In short, she how to work within the system to get the care you need. Of particular note is the revelation that sometimes there is a 90-day extension available for filing a malpractice suit. I believe that most clinicians are genuinely trying to do the best they can for their patients. My suggestion is that everyone, patient or not, read this book. Knowledge is empowering and, many times, life-saving.

[Peg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A physician's guide to conquering the obstacles to excellent medical care - written in 2007. Author's husband died after a misdiagnosis in 2003. Motivated her (an MD) to write this guide to becoming a vigilant patient, preventing deadly medical mistakes, and taking charge of your healthcare.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book I'll consult if I ever face a serious medical issue. Give good advice on how to read, interpret, and follow-up on radiology and surgical reports.

[Tina Chooses Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book impressed me with the fact that we all need to be very involved in our own health care and that of our loved ones.