In this episode of Prescription for Admission, I’m joined by the incredible Gina O’Hara, an experienced case manager, to talk about one of the most important—and often overlooked—roles in the healthcare system.

We dive into what case management really looks like from the inside: from coordinating care and supporting families, to handling insurance challenges, discharge planning, and helping patients transition from hospital to home or rehab.

So many patients and families don’t realize they can (and should) ask for a case manager—or that there’s a whole team working behind the scenes to make sure they have the resources and support they need. Gina and I break down the most common misunderstandings about hospital admissions, explain the difference between rehabilitation and nursing care, and share the tough realities of dealing with prior authorizations.

I also share some patient tips you can use right away—especially if you're navigating a loved one’s hospital stay. And if you've ever felt overwhelmed by insurance paperwork, uncertain about your next steps post-discharge, or just want to feel more confident navigating your own or your family’s healthcare experience, this one’s for you.

In this conversation, we cover:

• What case managers really do—and why they matter so much

• How multidisciplinary care improves patient outcomes

• The role of communication in successful discharge planning

• How to navigate insurance coverage and advocate for your care

• Why it’s okay to ask for help—and how elder care lawyers can support long-term planning

  
  

This episode is packed with insights that can make a real difference for patients, caregivers, and anyone who wants to better understand the healthcare system from the inside.#casemanagement #healthcare #hospitaldischarge #patientadvocacy #nursing #insurance #rehabilitation #healthcarenavigation #patientcare #hospitaladmissions #multidisciplinarycare #patientassessment #dischargeplanning #healthcareresources #patienttips #communication #eldercare #hospitalexperience #prescriptionforadmission

In this powerful episode of Prescription for Admission, I sit down with award-winning author and caregiver Lisa Braxton to talk about what it really means to advocate for aging parents, especially when you're miles away.

Lisa shares her personal journey of navigating hospital care from a distance, offering hard-earned insights into the realities of eldercare, caregiver burnout, and the creative ways she used technology, like recording appointments and frequent calls, to stay connected and informed.

We talked about the emotional weight of caregiving, the value of self-care and support networks, and the kind of compassion and communication caregivers truly need from healthcare professionals. Lisa also reflects on the deeply moving lessons captured in her memoir—stories that will resonate with anyone who’s ever fought to care for someone they love.

If you’re a caregiver, a loved one, or a healthcare provider wanting to better support patient advocates, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Advocating for elderly parents can be challenging, especially from a distance.

• Technology tools, like recording appointments, can enhance communication with providers.

• Caregivers should feel empowered to call hospitals and ask for updates.

• Self-care is not optional—it’s essential to long-term caregiving.

• Building a trusted support network is critical for managing the emotional and physical load.

• Personal referrals can be powerful when choosing care facilities.

• Openness to tech can make caregivers more effective and less overwhelmed.

• Healthcare professionals should be accessible and communicative with patient advocates.

• Recording important conversations helps caregivers process and plan better.

• Sharing personal stories can inspire, guide, and comfort others in similar roles.

Grab a copy of the book Prescription for Admission here.

Connect with Lisa through LinkedIn

You can get her book Dancing Between The Raindrops at Amazon, Seacrow Press, and on her website

#caregiving #caregiverstories #longdistancecaregiving #patientadvocacy #hospitalmedicine #healthcarenavigation #eldercare #caregiversupport #selfcareforcaregivers #healthcarecommunication #podcastrecommendation #healthpodcast #medicalpodcast #caregivingtips #prescriptionforadmissionpodcast

In this episode of Prescription for Admission, I’m joined by Dr. Kristi Goodson, a passionate pediatric hospitalist, for a powerful conversation about what makes pediatric hospital care so unique and deeply personal. Together, we unpack the evolving landscape of pediatric healthcare, from the emotional weight of hospital stays to the growing impact of telemedicine and why effective communication between families and providers is everything.

Dr. Goodson shares her frontline experiences caring for children in both community hospitals and specialized children’s hospitals, and explains how hospitalists like her act as the care coordinators families didn’t know they needed. We dive into when and why a child might need to be transferred to another facility, and how case managers, pediatricians, and support systems all come together to support safe, informed decisions.

If you're a parent, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this episode offers real-world insights, plus practical tips on how to advocate for your child, what questions to ask during hospital visits, and how to stay grounded through an emotionally charged experience.

Whether you're navigating the hospital system now or just want to be prepared for the future, this conversation is packed with guidance and empathy.

Key Takeaways:

• Pediatric hospitalists coordinate complex care across teams

• Family involvement is vital to pediatric outcomes

• Parents should feel empowered to speak up and ask questions

• Telemedicine is transforming pediatric access and continuity of care

• The emotional and cultural sides of pediatric care matter too

#PediatricCare #HospitalistPodcast #Telemedicine #FamilyCenteredCare #ChildAdvocacy #HealthcarePodcast #PediatricHospitalist #PrescriptionForAdmission #ParentingTips #MedicalPodcast #HospitalTransfers #CaseManagement #PatientExperience #HealthcareCommunication #KidsHealth

In this episode of Prescription for Admission, I’m joined by Dr. Nyota Pieh, a compassionate and insightful psychiatrist who helps me unpack the crucial role psychiatry plays in hospital medicine, especially in high-stress, acute care settings like the ICU.

We talk about how mental and physical health are deeply connected, and why psychiatric support is not just helpful but necessary for both patients and the medical teams who care for them. Dr. Pieh also walks us through what it really means for a patient to have capacity, the challenges around delirium, and how family advocacy can make all the difference during a hospital stay.

You’ll hear practical insights into the barriers many face when trying to access acute psychiatric care, and why early intervention can not only shorten hospital stays but improve outcomes across the board.

If you’ve ever wondered how to better advocate for yourself or a loved one during a hospital stay—or if you work in healthcare and want a deeper understanding of how psychiatry fits into the bigger picture—this conversation is for you.

✅ Here’s what we dive into:

• Why psychiatry is a key part of hospital care

• How mental and physical health work hand-in-hand

• What does “capacity” mean in a medical setting

• How family members can advocate for loved ones

• The importance of early psychiatric support during hospital stays

Grab a copy of my book here or contact me for bulk orders

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Apple Books

#psychiatry #mentalhealthmatters #hospitalmedicine #icu #delirium #capacity #patientcare #familyadvocacy #acutepsychiatriccare #healthcarepodcast #prescriptionforadmission

In this episode of Prescription for Admission, I sit down with Dr. Alisa Khan, a pediatric hospitalist at Boston Children’s Hospital, to talk about something close to both of our hearts—how parents and providers can work together to give hospitalized children the best care possible.

We dive into what it means to be a pediatric hospitalist and why your voice as a parent or caregiver truly matters. Dr. Khan shares powerful insights on the importance of advocacy in pediatric care and how bias—whether implicit, explicit, or systemic—can sometimes create barriers between families and the healthcare system.

We also talk about the emotional weight that parents carry when their child is sick and how crucial it is to trust your instincts, ask questions, and keep speaking up—even when it feels hard. Because in many cases, you are your child’s best advocate.

We explore the idea of giving and receiving grace in high-pressure hospital settings, and how formalizing feedback can improve care for everyone. From media perceptions of healthcare workers to the role families play in reporting safety concerns, this episode is a reminder that healing is a team effort—and that your voice has power.

Key moments and takeaways from our chat:

• What pediatric hospitalists do and why they’re essential

• The importance of trusting your gut as a parent

• How to advocate effectively, even in the face of bias

• Why communication is key to safer, more effective care

• The role of caregivers in preventing medical errors

• How we can all work together—patients, families, and providers—to improve the system

Whether you’re a parent, a healthcare worker, or someone navigating care for a loved one, this episode is for you. Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep pushing for a healthcare system that truly listens.

#PrescriptionForAdmission #PediatricCare #ParentAdvocacy #CaregiverSupport #PediatricMedicine #HealthcareBias #HospitalParenting #PatientSafety #MedicalPodcast #ChildHealthAdvocacy #HealthcareEquity #TrustYourGut #HospitalExperience #HealthcareStorytelling

In this episode of the Prescription for Admission podcast, I sit down with Mr. Scott Brizard to dive into the often-overlooked but absolutely vital role pharmacists play in hospital care. From medication reconciliation to understanding hospital formularies, Scott shares how pharmacists work behind the scenes (and sometimes right at your bedside) to keep patients safe and treatments effective.

We also talk about some of the biggest medication myths—like the difference between allergies and side effects—and why it’s so important for patients to know their meds and speak up during their care.

Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or fellow provider, this conversation illuminates how pharmacists help drive better outcomes, safer transitions, and more empowered healthcare experiences.

Key takeaways:

• Pharmacists are essential partners in patient safety and care.

• Knowing your medication list (and true allergies) can make a big difference.

• Advocacy starts with understanding your treatment.

  
  

Listen in and get a new perspective on how pharmacists shape hospital care—one prescription at a time.

Don’t forget to subscribe or follow the podcast so you never miss an episode!

#hospitalcare #pharmacistrole #patientsafety #medicationsafety #formulary #pharmacycareer #pharmacists #prescriptionforadmission

What really happens behind the doors of the emergency department (ED)? How can you advocate for yourself or a loved one during a medical emergency? In this episode of Prescription for Admission, Dr. Monique Nugent sits down with Dr. Tola Johnson to uncover the essential role of emergency medicine in our healthcare system. They discuss the challenges of triage, patient safety, and why having a care plan is often more important than leaving the ED with a diagnosis. 💡 Key Insights You’ll Learn:✔️ Why the ED serves as a safety net for patients without access to regular care ✔️ The importance of triage and why higher-acuity patients are seen first ✔️ How emergency physicians rule out life-threatening conditions rather than diagnose everything ✔️ Why self-advocacy and understanding your medical history are crucial in an ED visit ✔️ The reality of long wait times and how to prepare for your ED experience✔️ The rising incidence of e-bike accidents and why safety precautions matter From the portrayal of emergency medicine in TV shows to the real-life teamwork it takes to run a busy ER, this episode pulls back the curtain on what you should expect when visiting the ED—and how to navigate it effectively. Have you ever had an emergency department experience that surprised you? Share in the comments!#emergencymedicine #hospitalist #patientcare #healthcare #hospitalmedicine #triage #selfadvocacy #medicaleducation #emergencyroom #ebikesafety #healthawareness

In this episode of Prescription for Admission, Dr. Monique Nugent and Dr. Charlie Wray discuss the intricacies of hospital medicine, the role of hospitalists, and the importance of patient care coordination. They explore the complexities of modern healthcare, the value hospitalists bring to patient care, and the significance of family involvement in the hospital setting.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating discharge planning and the benefits of integrated healthcare systems.

Additionally, they reflect on the portrayal of hospital medicine in media, highlighting both positive and negative representations.

Key Takeaways:

• Hospitalists serve as the central coordinators of patient care in hospitals.
• The hospitalist model emerged to address the complexities of inpatient care.
• Hospitalists are available 24/7 to manage patient admissions and discharges.
• Family involvement at the bedside can enhance patient care and communication.
• Patients should advocate for their needs and ask questions about their care.
• Integrated healthcare systems improve coordination between inpatient and outpatient care.
• Hospital medicine is a team-based specialty that relies on collaboration.
• The portrayal of hospital medicine in media can influence public perception.
• Understanding the complexities of medications is crucial for hospitalists.
• Learning from both positive and negative role models shapes future physicians.

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#hospitalmedicine #hospitalist #patientcare #healthcarepodcast #medicalpodcast #doctorsofinstagram #medicine #hospitalistlife #healthcareprofessionals #medicaleducation #doctorsoftiktok #medtwitter #physicianlife #hospitalcare #integratedhealthcare #dischargeplanning #patientadvocacy #familyincare #medstudent #residentlife #medicaltraining #healthcareinsights #medicalcommunity #hospitalmedicinereality #doctorsofyoutube #hospitalmedicineexplained