Dr. Patient

Heather Johnston
  • 4.9 (19)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast that examines how today’s healthcare system affects the doctor-patient relationship and impacts how doctors and patients experience it. 

  1. Ep 30 Prevent Illness in the First Place

    2D AGO

    Ep 30 Prevent Illness in the First Place

    Date: 4/15/26 Name of podcast: Dr. Patient Episode title and number: 30 Prevent Illness in the First Place Episode summary:  Preventive healthcare involves trying to keep illness from occurring, and trying to catch diseases early on in their process. It has a long history of success as an overall health approach, but less and less adults in the US are utilizing it and seeing a primary care provider. This episode reviews what preventive healthcare entails and addresses some of the more common reasons why people don't seek it out. References:  Current screening recommendations: Cancers:  - Colorectal cancer screening (variety of methods including colonoscopy) at 45-75 - Breast cancer screening (mammogram, ultrasound most common) at 40-74 - Cervical cancer screening (PAP smear) at 21-65 - Lung cancer screening (low dose CT scan) at 50-80 IF you have a 20 pack-year smoking history, or if you quit within the last 15 years Heart and metabolic conditions: - Hypertension/high blood pressure screening  - every 2 years if blood pressure is 25) - every 3 years if normal BMI - High cholesterol screening (blood test) - lots of caveats on this one - generally, a lipid panel at 40-75  - some sources say every 4-6 years starting at 20 - American Heart Associaion says waist circumference and BMI and lipid panel every 3 years for adults 40-75 with one risk factor Infectious Diseases - Hepatitis C (blood test) once between 18-79 - HIV (blood test) once 15-65 or for anyone pregnant, then regularly only if high risk  Bone health - Osteoporosis screening (bone scan) all women over 65, all post menopausal women even if less than 65 years old if increased risk Other - Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (ultrasound) for men 65-75 who have ever smoked - Depression screening (questionnaire) for everyone over 19 including pregnant/postpartum - Beyond these, your healthcare provider might also/should ask you questions about safety at home, seat belt use, your diet and exercise Links: USPSTF/US Preventive Services Task Force: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/ ACIP/Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices: https://www.cdc.gov/acip/index.html American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/heart-health-screenings American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/newsroom/latest-ada-annual-standards-of-care-includes-changes-to-diabetes-screening-first-line-therapy-pregnancy-technology American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer.html Podcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.com Podcast email, become a guest: drpatientpodcast@gmail.com

    20 min
  2. Ep 29 Hospital Discharge Survival Guide

    MAR 19

    Ep 29 Hospital Discharge Survival Guide

    Date: 3/18/26 Name of podcast: Dr. Patient Episode title and number: 29 Hospital Discharge Survival Guide Episode summary:  Getting discharged from the hospital can be easy or confusing, depending on many factors: the complexity of your illness, the communication skills of the hospital and its staff, how well you understand the instructions given, and more. Today's episode covers some of the common pitfalls and gives tips on how to prepare for a hospital discharge. Podcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.com Podcast email, become a guest: drpatientpodcast@gmail.com

    23 min
  3. Ep 28 How to Do the ER (Better Than I Did)

    FEB 24

    Ep 28 How to Do the ER (Better Than I Did)

    Date: 2/24/26 Name of podcast: Dr. Patient Episode title and number: 28 How to Do the ER (Better Than I Did) Episode summary:  Getting through the ER feels like an uphill battle, and there are frictions on both sides of the bed that make the experience harder than it should be. I made lots of mistakes with my own trip to the ER last summer, and give some tips based on what I learned there. References:  List of what to bring to the ER: Electronics: chargers: phone, laptop, watch, noise cancelling headphones Meds: actual bottles or list of prescriptions, supplements Clothes: comfy clothes, extra undies, warm socks, nonslip socks Paperwork/legal stuff: medical history form, emergency contact info, medical insurance card(s), healthcare paperwork (advanced directives?), drivers license/ID Bathroom stuff: travel toiletries, lip balm, body lotion Other: notepad and pen, luggage tags, pillow, pillowcase, something to read, sleep mask, prayers, hand sanitizer, silky pillow case, lavender lotion, your own blanket, reading light, reading glasses, ear plugs, sense of humor, cpap machine Food/drink (realizing you might not be able to): granola bars, other snacks, gum, bottled water, water bottle with straw People: hubby, me, mom, anyone who can advocate  Podcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.com Podcast email, become a guest: drpatientpodcast@gmail.com

    24 min
  4. Ep 27 Healthcare Paperwork That's Worth Your Time

    FEB 11

    Ep 27 Healthcare Paperwork That's Worth Your Time

    Date: 02/10/26 Name of podcast: Dr. Patient Episode title and number: 27 Healthcare Paperwork That's Worth Your Time Summary In this episode of the Dr. Patient Podcast, Dr. Heather Johnston discusses the importance of understanding and managing healthcare paperwork. She emphasizes the need for patients to take control of their healthcare by completing essential forms such as medical history, HIPAA authorizations, power of attorney for healthcare, and living wills. The episode provides insights into how these documents can protect patients' rights and wishes, especially in critical situations where they may be incapacitated. Dr. Johnston also offers resources for listeners to access these forms and encourages proactive engagement in their healthcare decisions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Patient Empowerment 03:04 Understanding Healthcare Paperwork 15:14 Navigating Advanced Directives 28:56 Summary and Resources for Patients Resources Link to ALL forms Keywords patient empowerment, healthcare paperwork, HIPAA, advanced directives, medical history, power of attorney, living will, patient rights, healthcare wishes, healthcare communication Website: www.drpatientpodcast.com Email: drpatientpodcast@gmail.com

    32 min
  5. Season 3 Trailer

    SEASON 3 TRAILER

    Season 3 Trailer

    This season I'll be diving into more topics related to patient advocacy: healthcare paperwork, laws that protect patients, how to manage a hospital discharge and more. Of course, there will be amusing personal healthcare stories sprinkled in. Podcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.com Podcast email, become a guest: drpatientpodcast@gmail.com

    3 min
  6. Ep 26 Advocate Toolkit, Hospital Edition

    07/30/2024

    Ep 26 Advocate Toolkit, Hospital Edition

    Date: 7/30/24 Name of podcast: Dr. Patient Episode title and number: 26 Advocate Toolkit, Hospital Edition Episode summary: It's so incredibly complicated to be a patient today, as I recently observed when I hung out at the bedside of a sick relative. If you don't have a "doctor friend", you might need to help your friend or family member get the best possible experience in the hospital by becoming their advocate. Hear about my own observations on where and when help is needed, and also hear some tips on how you can get started.   Guest(s): none Key Terms: none References:  none Podcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.com Podcast email, become a guest: drpatientpodcast@gmail.com

    23 min
  7. Ep 25 The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage

    07/23/2024

    Ep 25 The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage

    Date: 7/22/24 Name of podcast: Dr. Patient Episode title and number: 25 The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage, Part 2 Episode summary: Part 2 discussing why Medicare Advantage plans are an actual DISadvantage for you and for our country's fiscal system. When you sign up for Medicare, you have a choice of Traditional/Original, Medicare or "Medicare Advantage", which is technically not Medicare and is instead a private health insurance company caring for you on their behalf, like a surrogate. The plans are Uber-restrictive and filled with hidden costs that many people don't recognize until it's too late. They often offer "zero dollar premiums" to lure folks in, then you might have trouble getting back into regular Medicare. Join Alexandra "Al" Eidenberg from The Insurance People, and me to hear all of the details. Guest(s): Alexandra (Al) Eidenberg, President and Founder of The Insurance People Key Terms: none References: The Insurance People homepage: www.theinsurancepeople.com How to sign up for Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/sign-up/how-do-i-sign-up-for-medicare Podcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.com Podcast email, become a guest: drpatientpodcast@gmail.com

    45 min
  8. Ep 24 The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage, Part 1

    07/16/2024

    Ep 24 The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage, Part 1

    Date: 6/16/24 Name of podcast: Dr. Patient Episode title and number: 24 The Disadvantage of Medicare Advantage, Part 1 Episode summary: Wow, I knew Medicare was complicated but didn't realize just how complicated. I've spent the last few weeks diving deep and was most curious about Medicare Advantage, Part C of Medicare, where beneficiaries can sign up for private health insurance. This week I'll be talking about how bad this is for our federal budget, and how the model simply doesn't work fiscally. Next week, in Part 2, I'll be talking with Al (Alexandra) Eidenberg about why it's also bad for the beneficiaries themselves. Guest(s): none Key Terms: CMS - Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services HMO - Healthcare Maintenance Organization Beneficiary or Enrollee - the person signing up for a health plan Fee-for-service - a model of healthcare where a doctor or hospital gives a service and is then paid for it Capitation - a monthly payment Advantage plans get per patient that are signed up on their plan References: Video by Congresspeople Mark Pocan, Jan Schakowsky and Ro Khanna Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services How the Government Updates Payment Rates for Medicare Advantage Plans Understanding Medicare Advantage Payment Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment US Sues Cigna for fraudulent diagnostic codes Advantage plans overpaid by about $140 billion over last 12 years Video: How to Sign up for Medicare MedicareFAQ: Why Advantage Plans are Bad Understanding Medicare Advantage Payment Other podcasts on this topic: Arm and A Leg The Real Investment Show Podcast website: www.drpatientpodcast.com Podcast email, become a guest: drpatientpodcast@gmail.com

    22 min
See All (35)

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

A podcast that examines how today’s healthcare system affects the doctor-patient relationship and impacts how doctors and patients experience it. 

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Johnston
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Patient
  • Show Website
    Dr. Patient

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