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Earlier this year, I injured my hand during a martial arts training session; I heard a popping noise at the same time that I felt a lightning bolt go through my finger. Ouch! Later that hour, I was in an urgent care center getting an x-ray taken of my hand. Working for a cloud-based medical records company, I figured that a doctor would need to see my scans someday, so I asked the x-ray technician how I could get my images to my provider. He told me that he can burn a CD for me and I can take it to my visit. Easy enough.

Nonprofits comprise 5.7% of the US GDP, contributing $2.62 trillion to the economy. But their impact goes well beyond their direct financial contribution. Foundations and not-for-profit organizations often act as catalysts for education and patient advocacy, providing a missing link between a patient and their health care provider. 

The workforce shortage of administrative staff is a critical issue facing our healthcare industry today. Just two weeks ago, on October 14th, a charge nurse at St. Michael’s Medical Center in Washington, called 911 when the ER became too much for her and her team to handle. With just 5 on staff, 45 patients in the ER and more on the way, the nurse asked the fire department for help. They stepped in, helping to take vital signs, move patients, and turn over rooms. Since then, this nurse’s call for help has been echoed by health workers everywhere as just that - a call for help.

When and how do you go about getting a second opinion? When it’s not a medical emergency and you're dealing with a major medical decision, gathering additional perspectives and information can guide you through figuring out what is best for you.