Most helpful in this resource are the myriad of graphs and visual aids Hester delivers to help streamline medical care. Whether suffering from abdominal pain, headaches, or countless other conditions, readers will welcome Hester’s well-ordered questionnaires: she addresses the history behind each concern, narrows down onset symptoms, and draws attention to potential underlying factors, all in an organized format that will simplify medical appointments. Hester delves into the insurance side of things too, summarizing the internal appeals process for denied claims, outlining the specifics of health plans, and more.
This is a hands-on log in many ways, and Hester incorporates useful technology alongside the tried-and-true approaches: going beyond her advice to keep a journal of blood sugar, exercise, and other relevant health data, Hester also reviews electronic health records and endorses apps readers can use to manage their medical appointments and general wellbeing. There’s even a list of reputable sites to research physician competency, and the three appendices offer explanations of common medical abbreviations, terms, and standard tests—including chemistry profiles and electrocardiograms, among others. For those readers still experiencing uncertainty about their medical care, Hester explains the alternative of a patient advocate “to break down each situation and ensure that the desired outcome is in your favor.” Readers will be impressed by this valuable resource.
Takeaway: A practical tool for helping readers navigate increasingly complex medical care systems.
Great for fans of: RealMe Journals’s My Personal Medical Log Book, MG Publish LB’s Doctor Visit Log Book.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A+
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
