The health care system can be scary and confusing. A recent article in the New York Times shared advice from patients who, because they use the system frequently, have hard-won advice on how to navigate it. Although the article talks about the US system, almost all of the advice applies in Canada.
 
Tips include the following:
 

• Bring your health records to appointments
• Bring a friend or family member along who can act as an advocate
• Ask questions and listen

 
The article also describes some of the most common problems that frequent users of the system run into.
 
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• The caregiver as advocate
• 4 insights from experienced caregivers
• Four caregivers share survival tips