The Practical Patient

From an outsider's perspective, healthcare can seem like a strange and alien world. It's easy to get lost in the medical maze unless you have an insider to lead you through the strange terminology, different types of medical providers, and your own rights as a patient. Gail Zacok, MSN, RN, FNP-C, is the experienced medical guide you need.



Zacok, a longtime family nurse practitioner and experienced patient, offers a practical guide to understanding and interacting with the medical world. She offers advice on everything from the challenges of finding a primary care provider to the importance of healthcare documents and living wills.



Discover the basics of health insurance plans and the billing process for those with and without insurance. Learn how an appointment with your family medical provider differs from meeting a specialist and how to decide if you need to visit a health clinic, urgent-care center, or emergency room.



From personal health records and hospital stays to knowing how to screen for common cancers, Zacok explores every aspect of the healthcare system a patient is likely to encounter. Take control of your own journey through the medical maze and become an active, informed, and involved patient.