The Healthcare Appointment Playbook is a practical, no-nonsense guide that simplifies the healthcare system by providing readers with insights into different healthcare providers, demystifying insurance, and preparing patients for healthcare appointments. Why was this an important book for you to write?

The book was important to write because every time I see a new patient and she tells me that I am the first provider to ask about her health history, explain things clearly, allow her to ask questions, and keep things real, I realize that all patients should have the same experience. When I open a patient’s chart and see that her history hasn’t been entered or updated, it breaks my heart. It means that someone didn’t care enough about her to get to know her and educate her on her health risks.

Patients are getting sicker earlier in their lives and are spending more on their healthcare. Patients need to know about the timing of health screenings, be educated about prevention, and know the consequences of lifestyle decisions on their health.

Healthcare providers rely on our patients for their jobs; but I believe healthcare is the only service industry that is provider-driven rather than patient-driven, and this must change. Patients need to have the knowledge to take control of their appointments—to ask questions, seek clarification, explore treatment options and optimize their healthcare appointments. They also need resources and tools to live healthy lives, and I wanted to create a wellness guide to show that leading a healthy life can be simple and affordable.

What is your background and experience, and how did it help you write this book?

I have been an Advanced Practice Provider since March 2001 and have had the same employer throughout this time. I know this is rare today. I reached the salary cap nine years ago, but I stay because I love my patients and want to do right by them. I am the healthcare provider today because patients trust me enough to include me in their lives. I’ve learned from their stories and experiences, understanding their struggles and distrust of the healthcare system. Although I no longer attend deliveries, I now care for the women I helped bring into this world.

Since the Affordable Care Act, women’s healthcare providers can serve as primary care providers. I embraced this role to provide continuity of care and to continue caring for women beyond their women’s healthcare needs.

My psychology degree has given me insight into the mind-body connection, showing how my patients’ lives outside the exam room impact their physical and mental health. My business degree has increased my awareness of healthcare economics and how patients are affected.

The combination of my clinical experience and education helped me to write the book.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I wanted to demystify the healthcare experience for patients and provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the healthcare system. I aimed to explain what to expect, what their rights are as patients, what questions to ask, why healthcare providers do what they do, what are common illnesses that shorten lifespan and to offer a simple wellness guide that helps patients prevent illness and disease. I wanted to give a voice to the voiceless.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Healthcare Appointment Playbook?

That patients can have some control over their healthcare visits.

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