Summary:
This article reveals essential tips for patients to navigate their hospital visits with more awareness. From understanding hospital pressures to questioning unnecessary tests, it offers practical advice for protecting both your health and finances. Learn what hospitals won’t tell you to make more informed decisions and avoid hidden risks.
Essential Health Tips You Won’t Hear from Hospitals
By Hussain Kaisrani, Psychotherapist & Homeopathic Consultant
Hospitals are often places where we turn to when we are at our most vulnerable. While seeking medical care is important, there are many truths about healthcare that hospitals won’t always tell you. From the pressures healthcare professionals face to the hidden costs of treatment, it’s crucial to be informed and proactive about your health. Here are a few essential health tips that could help you navigate your next hospital visit with more awareness and confidence.
1. Don’t Distract the Nurse While She’s Preparing Your Medication
It’s tempting to chat with the nurse while she’s preparing your medication, but you might be putting your health at risk. Research has shown that distracting a nurse while she’s preparing medication increases the likelihood of mistakes. In fact, even a small interruption can increase the chance of error by 12%. To keep things safe, avoid talking to the nurse during this critical time.
2. Ask the Right Questions Before Surgery
If you’re undergoing surgery, always ask your doctor who will be involved in the procedure. Is the surgeon you trust performing the operation, or will other staff members be taking over the procedure? Understanding who is in charge of your care will give you more confidence in the process and ensure you’re not left with unanswered questions.
3. The Pressure on Nurses: More Patients = More Risk
Did you know that nurses are often under pressure to care for as many patients as possible? Unfortunately, research shows that the fewer patients a nurse has to handle, the better the recovery chances for each patient. For each additional patient a nurse is assigned, the chance of at least one patient dying increases by 7%. Hospitals should aim to provide adequate nurse-to-patient ratios, but this isn’t always the case.
4. The Financial Incentive: Hospital Administrators and Profit
Hospitals are not just focused on providing care—they are also businesses. Senior medical staff in hospitals often have financial goals to meet, and in places like the U.S., hospital CEOs can earn millions annually. In fact, hospital administrative costs can consume up to 25% of a hospital’s budget—higher than in most other industries. This emphasis on profit can sometimes overshadow the focus on patient care.
5. Surgeons Under Pressure to Perform More Operations
Did you know that many doctors are incentivized to perform more surgeries? Though most hospitals offer doctors a fixed salary, many surgeons receive bonuses for completing additional operations. This can lead to doctors performing unnecessary procedures or rushing through surgeries, all to meet financial targets.
6. Doctors Are Often Protected by Hospital Administration
If you have a complaint about a doctor’s performance, it’s important to realize that hospitals often prioritize their financial interests over patient satisfaction. In many cases, hospital administrations are more likely to support their doctors—especially if the doctor brings in significant revenue—than to address patient complaints.
7. Early Discharge: Hospitals Want You Out Quickly
Hospitals often want you discharged as soon as possible to minimize costs. A single day in a good hospital can cost thousands of rupees, and staying beyond what’s necessary increases the hospital’s expenses. You can often speed up your discharge process by asking doctors what you can do to recover faster and clarify any necessary steps for a quick recovery.
8. Double-Check Your Hospital Bill
Did you know that 80% of hospital bills contain errors, and more often than not, these errors result in overcharging you? Always review your hospital bills carefully. Check for charges related to medications or services you didn’t receive, or that were discontinued during your stay. If you notice discrepancies, bring them up with the administration and seek clarification or adjustments.
9. Question the Necessity of Tests
Many treatments include unnecessary tests—anywhere from 15% to 30% of medical procedures might not be necessary. Sometimes, patients themselves demand tests based on hearsay or misconceptions. If your doctor recommends a test, ask why it’s needed and what it will reveal. Inquire about the potential consequences if you decide against the test.
10. Are Hospitals Becoming Luxury Hotels?
Hospitals are increasingly adopting luxury hotel-like amenities to attract more patients. From waterfalls in the lobby to sprawling gardens and high-end windows, hospitals are incorporating elements of luxury to appear more appealing. However, this trend often leads to higher costs. Rather than focusing on aesthetics, hospitals should prioritize hiring healthcare professionals with solid experience in patient care.
11. Avoid VIP Treatment: It’s Not All It Seems
VIP patients often receive special treatment, but this can come at the cost of other patients. Special attention is given to those who can afford higher treatment fees, while standard patients may face delays or neglect. If you’re ever treated as a VIP patient, don’t assume that the quality of care will be better. Often, VIP patients end up competing for staff attention, which can affect your own care.
12. Be Careful of Insensitive Staff
The healthcare environment can be emotionally draining, and staff members, especially nurses, can become desensitized after witnessing countless patients and tragic situations. This may result in a lack of empathy or sensitivity. Be cautious when dealing with staff who seem to lack emotional understanding.
13. Do Staff Members Bet on Patient Outcomes?
In some hospitals, staff members—even surgeons—may place bets on the outcomes of certain tests or surgeries. This unprofessional behavior can undermine trust in medical care and lead to inappropriate decisions. It’s crucial that healthcare providers remain ethical and focused solely on the patient’s well-being.
14. Two Surgeries at the Same Time: Are You the Priority?
In certain cases, a surgeon may be performing another surgery while you are under anesthesia, leaving you in the care of junior staff. This is not uncommon, especially in complex surgeries where time constraints force surgeons to multi-task. Before undergoing surgery, ensure that you’re comfortable with the surgical team’s composition and ask questions about who will be directly involved in your procedure.
15. Bring Your Own Toiletries
Hospital restrooms are often less than ideal. Even if they appear clean, hospital restrooms can harbor germs. It’s a good idea to bring your own toiletries, including soap, toilet paper, combs, and cotton. Don’t forget a comfortable pillow—hospital pillows are often uncomfortable and unhygienic.
16. Steer Clear of Hospital Food
Hospital food is often bland and not tailored to specific dietary needs. Just because it’s served in a hospital doesn’t mean it’s the healthiest option for you. Even if you don’t have specific health issues like high blood pressure, always try to bring your own food or ensure that it aligns with your nutritional needs.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Health and Wallet
Hospitals are essential for providing necessary medical care, but understanding how they operate can help you make more informed decisions. From questioning unnecessary tests and procedures to advocating for better care, being proactive about your health can save you time, money, and even lives.
By knowing what to ask, checking your bills, and understanding the pressures healthcare providers face, you can ensure that your experience at the hospital is as beneficial as possible—without unnecessary complications or costs.
Hussain Kaisrani
Psychotherapist & Homeopathic Consultant
Location: Lahore, Pakistan
Visit: www.kaisrani.com
YouTube: Kaisrani
#HussainKaisrani #HealthTips #HospitalTips #PatientCare #Homeopathy #MedicalAwareness #HealthcareAdvice
