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

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

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