Send a text

In this conversation, Sandy Kibling and Dr. Julie Siemers discuss the critical issues surrounding hospital safety, patient advocacy, and the importance of effective communication in healthcare. 

Dr. Siemers shares her extensive experience in nursing and education, emphasizing the need for patients and families to be proactive in their care. 

They explore the concept of 'failure to rescue' in healthcare, the significance of hospital safety ratings, and practical tips for caregivers to navigate the healthcare system effectively. 

The discussion highlights the importance of partnership between healthcare providers and patients, advocating for transparency and communication to prevent medical errors and improve patient outcomes.

Takeaways

• A hospital visit can be confusing and scary for patients.
• Medical harm is a leading cause of death in healthcare.
• Hospital safety ratings can guide patients in choosing facilities.
• Patients should feel empowered to ask questions about care.
• Patient portals are valuable tools for accessing medical information.
• Educating oneself about medical conditions can enhance patient advocacy.

Sound Bites

• "Patients and families must advocate for their own care."
• "Communication breakdowns are a major source of patient harm."
• "Be present, be polite, and be persistent."

Chapters

02:58
Understanding Failure to Rescue in Healthcare

06:03
The Importance of Patient Advocacy

08:56
Navigating Hospital Safety Ratings

11:58
Effective Communication in Healthcare

15:11
Escalating Concerns in Patient Care

18:03
Resources for Patient Safety

20:59
Final Thoughts on Patient Empowerment

Resources:

Dr. Julie Siemers Website

Patient Safety Checklist

Julie Siemers TedX Talk

HospitalSafetyGrade.org

Instagram – Dr. Julie Siemers

Surviving Your Hospital Stay

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

Support the show

Send a text

In this conversation, Sandy Kibling and Dr. Kevin Smith discuss the challenges of chronic pain management and the limitations of traditional medicine. Dr. Smith shares his journey into functional medicine, emphasizing a personalized approach that seeks to uncover the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. 

They explore the importance of comprehensive testing, the role of prescription medications, and the impact of insurance on healthcare decisions. The discussion highlights the need for proactive health management and the value of investing in one's health.

Takeaways

• Chronic pain often leads to frustration with traditional medical approaches.
• Functional medicine seeks to understand the root causes of health issues.
• Comprehensive testing is crucial for effective treatment in functional medicine.
• Insurance limitations can hinder personalized healthcare solutions.
• Prescription medications are not always the best solution for health issues.
• Proactive health management is essential for long-term wellness.
• Functional medicine offers a more personalized approach to healthcare.

Sound Bites

• "Why Chronic Pain Doesn't Heal"
• "There's a pill for every ill"
• "Be proactive instead of reactive"

Chapters

01:01
Dr. Kevin Smith's Journey into Functional Medicine

04:08
Understanding Functional Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine

06:54
The Importance of Comprehensive Testing in Functional Medicine

10:14
The Limitations of Insurance in Healthcare

13:04
The Role of Prescription Medications in Health

16:54
How to Work with Dr. Smith and His Approach

20:09
Investing in Your Health: Costs and Benefits

22:49
Final Thoughts on Proactive Health Management

Resources:

MetabolicSolutions.net

Chronic Conditions Center

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

Support the show

Send a text

In this conversation, Sandy Kibling interviews Josh Resnikoff, CEO of Sunstone Health, about his personal journey through the healthcare system while seeking answers for his son's health issues. 

Josh shares how his frustrations led to the creation of Sunstone Health, a company that leverages AI to streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient care. 

The discussion covers the challenges families face in navigating healthcare, the importance of collaboration with healthcare providers, and the potential for direct access to innovative healthcare solutions.

Takeaways

• Josh Resnikoff's journey into healthcare was driven by personal experience.
• Sunstone Health aims to reduce the diagnostic odyssey for families.
• AI can significantly improve the efficiency of healthcare solutions.
• Collaboration between tech companies and healthcare providers is essential.
• The healthcare system often fails to provide timely answers for rare diseases.
• Direct access to healthcare solutions is becoming increasingly important.
• Patients can benefit from technology that enhances communication with providers.
• Advocacy and persistence are crucial in navigating the healthcare system.

Sound Bites

• "My mission is to help families."
• "It shouldn't be this hard to get the answers you need for your child."
• "Don't take no for an answer."

Chapters

06:01
The Birth of Sunstone Health

12:22
Leveraging AI for Better Healthcare

18:03
Collaboration with Healthcare Providers

24:28
Direct Payment Options for Families

30:16
Advocating for Your Health

Resources:

SunstoneHealth

Sunstone Health Podcast

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

Support the show

Send a text

Health equity isn’t just about access—it’s about being heard, respected, and included in decisions about your care. In this episode, Sandy Kibling sits down with cancer scientist and health equity advocate Eugene Manley Jr., PhD, to unpack why so many patients—especially in marginalized communities—leave appointments confused, dismissed, or unheard. 

Eugene shares his personal journey from inner-city Detroit to nonprofit advocacy, including firsthand experiences with medical racism and the real consequences of miscommunication and inaccurate documentation. 

You’ll walk away with practical “do-this-next” tools to advocate for yourself: how to ask better questions, document your care, build a support network, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right—so every healthcare encounter moves closer to dignity and equity.

Tips for Effective Health Advocacy

1. Educate Yourself: understanding your health condition and treatment options can empower you to ask the right questions.
2. Build a Support Network: having a medical proxy or an advocate who can speak on your behalf during times of vulnerability can make a significant difference.
3. Document Everything: keep records of your medical visits, treatments, and interactions with healthcare providers. This can be crucial in discussions about your care.
4. Speak Up: if something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns. Your health and comfort should always be a priority.
5. Utilize Available Resources: look for organizations and resources that focus on health equity and patient advocacy. They can provide valuable support and information.

Resources:

SCHEQ

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

Support the show

Send a text

In this episode of Get Savvy…Demystifying Healthcare, Sandy Kibling sits down with Dr. Fred Moss—psychiatrist, coach, and founder of Welcome to Humanity—to challenge the way we talk about mental health.

Dr. Fred shares his “Un-Doctor” approach: moving beyond labels, over-pathologizing, and quick fixes to focus on something many people never get in healthcare—being genuinely heard. 

Together, they unpack how communication, authenticity, and connection can shift how we experience anxiety, stress, and emotional pain, and how listeners can advocate for themselves (and their loved ones) in a system that often rushes to diagnose. 

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I normal?” this conversation will give you a fresh, empowering lens.

Takeaways:

• Mental health isn’t always a diagnosis problem — sometimes it’s a connection and context problem.
• Being deeply heard is therapeutic (and often missing in modern healthcare visits).
• Labels can help, but they can also limit—especially when they replace curiosity about the person.
• Advocacy matters: asking better questions can shift the entire care experience.
• Communication is a health skill—learning to express what you feel/need can change outcomes.
• There are alternatives to “quick fix” pathways—support, coaching, and human-centered approaches can be part of a recovery plan.

Chapters/Timing

01:10 - Meet Dr. Fred Moss + the “Un-Doctor” perspective
03:10 - What people are really seeking when they say “What’s wrong with me?”
06:00 - Over-pathologizing: when labels help vs. when they harm
08:40 - The power of being heard (and why it’s rare in healthcare)
12:10 - Anxiety, stress, and emotional pain through a human lens
18:10 - Practical tools: communication, presence, and connection
21:40 - What “Welcome to Humanity” is and who it helps
24:10 -  Final thoughts + next steps for listeners

Resources:

Welcome to Humanity

DrFred360.com

Undoctorreset.com

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

Support the show

Send a text

In this enlightening conversation, Sandy Kibling and Beverly Meyer delve into the complexities of navigating the healthcare journey, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management and the role of nutrition. 

Beverly shares her personal health journey, her philosophy on being a 'wellness warrior', and the significance of understanding lab results. The discussion also covers the primal diet, client success stories, and the implications of GLP-1 drugs on health. 

Takeaways

• Beverly Meyer emphasizes the importance of being proactive in health management.
• The partnership between patients and doctors is crucial for effective healthcare.
• Understanding lab results is essential for making informed health decisions.
• Aim for the middle value in lab results to gauge health accurately.
• Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health and wellness.
• The primal diet focuses on eliminating grains and prioritizing animal proteins.
• Client success stories highlight the transformative power of dietary changes.
• GLP-1 drugs can have significant side effects and should be approached with caution.
• Education and awareness are key to navigating the healthcare system effectively.
• Utilizing resources like Life Extension can empower individuals to manage their health.

Sound Bites

• "Help yourself to health."
• "Aim for the middle value for your labs."
• "The grains have to go."

Chapters

03:12
Becoming a Wellness Warrior

05:58
Understanding Lab Results

08:46
The Role of Nutrition in Health

12:12
Client Success Stories

15:00
The Primal Diet Explained

18:02
The Impact of GLP-1 Drugs

20:52
Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources:

Beverly Meyer - On Diet and Health

(Primal Diet - Modern Health) - Podcast

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

Support the show

Send a text

In this episode, Sandy Kibling discusses the high costs of prescription medications and offers insights into why they are so unaffordable. She explains the role of drug manufacturers, insurance companies, and the complexities of formularies and tiers. 

Sandy provides practical strategies for reducing prescription costs, including exploring generics, alternative medications, and patient assistance programs. She also highlights the benefits of using Canadian pharmacies and online options for obtaining medications at lower prices. 

Takeaways

• Prescription medications are often unaffordable due to manufacturer control over pricing.
• Patents can prevent the availability of cheaper generic options for many years.
• Insurance plans can vary significantly in how they cover medications, leading to different costs for the same drug.
• Understanding drug tiers and formularies is crucial for managing medication expenses.
• Deductibles for prescriptions may be separate from medical deductibles, impacting out-of-pocket costs.
• Asking about generic versions and preferred alternatives can lead to significant savings.
• Discount cards and apps like GoodRx can help reduce medication costs, but may not count towards deductibles.
• Canadian pharmacies can offer substantial savings on medications, but caution is advised when choosing a provider.
• Regularly reviewing healthcare plans is essential to ensure coverage for necessary medications.

Sound Bites

• "Patents can last for 20 plus years."
• "Always ask if there's a generic version."
• "Check out the show notes for resources."

Chapters

03:01
Understanding the High Costs of Medications

12:11
Navigating Insurance and Formularies

14:04
Strategies for Reducing Prescription Costs

22:24
Exploring Alternative Options for Medications

28:37
Special Considerations for Medicare Recipients

31:01
Using Canadian Pharmacies and Online Options

Resources:

GoodRx

SingleCare

Optum Perks

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs

Episode 111: Getting Safe Prescription Medications Across the Border

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

Support the show

Send a text

In this episode my guest Brittnee Wheeler discusses the challenges of postpartum care and the need for better support for mothers. She shares her personal journey as a military spouse and mother of five, leading her to create the Rose Relief Postpartum Recovery Undergarment. 

The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, the evolution of maternity products, and the impact of innovative solutions on women's health. Britnee emphasizes the need for dignity and comfort during recovery and discusses future product offerings aimed at supporting women at all stages of womanhood.

Takeaways

• Postpartum care products have traditionally been inadequate for mothers.
• The Rose Maternity undergarment provides comfort and support during recovery.
• Moms often lack the necessary tools for postpartum recovery.
• Self-care is crucial for mothers and impacts their families.
• Britnee's products aim to help manage pain at all stages of womanhood.
• The conversation around postpartum care is evolving.
• Women deserve dignity and comfort during recovery.
• Britnee's journey reflects resilience and entrepreneurship.
• Future products will focus on menstrual care for teens.

Sound bites

"Nobody wants to talk about undergarments, right?"
"It’s truly about helping moms manage pain better."
"I can go and take a walk around the store and not feel uncomfortable ."

Chapters

02:45 Britnee's Journey: From Military Spouse to Entrepreneur
06:07 The Need for Postpartum Care Products
08:53 Understanding the Rose Maternity Company relief undergarment
11:46 Real-Life Impact: Testimonials and Experiences
15:08 The Importance of Self-Care and Resilience
17:59 Future Innovations and Product Offerings

Resources:

Rose Maternity Company

Support the show

Send a text

In this episode, Sandy Kibling welcomes Dr. Jessica Edwards, a board-certified family medicine physician and healthcare entrepreneur. They discuss the current frustrations within the healthcare system, including the challenges patients face due to the increasing bureaucracy and the shift of provider-owned practices to larger healthcare systems. 

Dr. Edwards shares her journey from observing her father's patient-centered practice to founding Zara Medical, where she aims to make healthcare more accessible and efficient for patients, especially those who feel marginalized.

Dr. Edwards emphasizes the importance of patient advocacy and understanding the complexities of the healthcare system. She highlights the need for transparency in insurance and the challenges that come with navigating care. 

The conversation also touches on the innovative approaches Zara Medical employs, such as utilizing AI for patient engagement and care navigation, which aims to empower patients and improve their healthcare experiences. 

Takeaways

• "The clinical care isn't the issue; it's everything that happens before and after."
• "Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself."
• "Patients often feel marginalized and don't understand what's going on."
• "The healthcare system is broken due to bureaucracy and inefficiency."
• "Insurance companies need to be more transparent with patients."
• "Utilizing technology can help find a good clinician for you."
• "The next generation of doctors will take healthcare back."
• "Don't put off taking care of yourself."

Chapters

05:01
Dr. Edwards' Journey and Founding Zara Medical

08:49
Understanding the Broken Healthcare System

14:30
Navigating Healthcare: Patient Empowerment and Advocacy

19:52
Innovative Solutions at Zara Medical

23:07
Addressing Care for Uninsured Patients

26:36
Insurance Transparency and Patient Experience

30:32
Building the Next Generation of Healthcare Providers

32:56
Final Thoughts and Patient Advocacy

Resources:

ZaraMedical

Support the show

Send a text

In this conversation, Kelly Tuttle, NP shares her personal journey of navigating life after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) she sustained in a car accident. 

As a neurology nurse practitioner, she offers insights into the challenges of recovery, the importance of finding the right healthcare providers, and effective strategies for healing, including journaling, mindfulness, and proper nutrition. 

Kelly emphasizes the need for patient advocacy and the value of support groups, while also discussing her book, 'After the Crash,' which provides tools for others facing similar challenges.

Takeaways

• Kelly Tuttle's journey began with a traumatic brain injury in 2015.
• Journaling is a crucial tool for tracking symptoms and recovery.
• Sleep is essential for brain healing, requiring 7-9 hours nightly.
• Mindfulness helps individuals cope with changes after a TBI.
• Finding a healthcare provider who specializes in TBI is vital.
• Support groups can provide valuable resources and connections.
• Nutrition plays a significant role in recovery from brain injuries.
• Financial health impacts overall well-being during recovery.
• Communication with caregivers is important for understanding behavior changes.
• Kelly's book offers practical strategies for returning to work after a TBI.

Chapters:

00:00: Introduction to TBI and Personal Journey

03:46: The Impact of TBI on Daily Life

11:25: Strategies for Recovery and Healing

20:18: Finding the Right Healthcare Provider

27:47: Resources and Tools for TBI Survivors

32:24: Final Thoughts and Advice for Caregiver

36:27: In The Next Episode: Navigating Healthcare with Dr. Jessica Edwards

Resources:

KellyTuttle – Brain Loving Advocate

Kelly’s Book After The Crash

Support the show