Patient No More

Patient No More

Chapter 2: The Very First Thing You Should Do, Today

The easiest weapon against misdiagnosis is in your phone.

Helene M. Epstein's avatar
Helene M. Epstein
Feb 14, 2025
∙ Paid
A mobile phone on a white shield with a beautiful warm sunrise behind it
The easiest weapon against misdiagnosis is in your phone

My mother had a serious health issue in Florida. I was in New York on the phone with the EMTs from the moment they showed up. They asked to see her phone. Her aide knew the drill and handed them two sheets of paper already printed out with her medical conditions, medications, and a list of her doctors. When they took her on the gurney to the ER, my mom held those papers plus her cell phone and a 10-foot-long cord. The hospital staff thanked the aide for being so prepared.

The number one cause of misdiagnosis is inaccurate or missing data. And you hold the key to fixing much of that in your hand or your pocket; your mobile phone. All smart phones have the ability to save your life by providing EMTs –– and you –– your essential medical history when you need it. It works whether you’re in your doctor’s office –– and need to give them a list of all your current medicines–– or if you’re lying on the street unconscious –– and the EMT ne…

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