Lies Women Should Never Tell Their Doctor
It might seem common sense always to tell the truth to your doctor. As we get past age 40, telling everything to your doctor has added importance. Start by being truthful with yourself.
Telling the truth when speaking with your doctor might seem like common sense, yet that is not always the case. Many people fail to tell their doctor everything - a lie by omission - or just flat out tell mistruths when they speak with their doctor. Some studies have shown that between 60 and 80 percent of patients aren't forthcoming or even lie to their physicians.
Lying to your doctor is not uncommon. As we get past age 40, being truthful to your doctor has added importance. Yet, many men and women fail to tell their doctors everything when they see them for their check-ups.
Women need to disclose everything to their doctors, especially as they get older. Everyone wants to live a long life, but the quality of our longevity is also a significant concern. Women have unique health issues that cannot be ignored. These health problems will impact their overall health, longevity, and quality of life.
This might seem benign, but according to Dr. Robert Schwartz, who specializes in family medicine at the University of Miami Health System,
Not being truthful with your doctor can be detrimental to your health. Dr. Robert Schwartz, who specializes in family medicine at the University of Miami Health System, says that, at the very least, lying to your doctor limits the doctor's ability to help you properly.
"The most common lies told are about smoking, drugs, and diet," Dr. Schwartz says.
Schwartz explains that people lie to their doctor often because they find something embarrassing or perhaps they don't want to be judged.
Avoid Little Lies
Even some little fibs can be hazardous to your health. Remember, what you tell your doctor is confidential, even to the authorities in most situations, because of doctor-patient privilege. There are some limits, but for the vast majority of people they should not be concerned about confidentiality.
Avoid telling these lies to your doctor - click here. WebMD lists 13 common lies - click here.
Don't Lie to Yourself About Aging and Long-Term Care
Long-term care is a women's issue, not because men don't have health issues, get older, and require help with daily living activities. We all know men need long-term care just like women. However, women are often the default caregivers for husbands or parents. When a woman needs long-term care, their husbands are usually not helpful.
Because women live longer, they have a more significant risk of needing extended care in their own home or a facility. Have you considered who would be your caregiver when you require long-term health care?
Who would become your caregiver? Where would the funds come from to pay for professional care? How would long-term care affect your family and finances?
People require long-term care services and supports due to illness, accident, or the impact of aging. Your health insurance, including Medicare and supplements (for those age 65 and older), will not pay for a majority of these services. This means, without an advance plan, your family will become caregivers, or you will pay for your own care - or both.
Longevity and Caregiving
Why is long-term care a woman's issue? The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance puts it simply - "Two words; longevity and caregiving."
The fact remains that women still live longer than men. Women also have higher rates of disability and chronic health problems. Thus, women are far more likely to need long-term care. But it doesn't end there.
Women tend to be the first-line caregivers for their male husbands. Generally, by the time a woman requires extended care, the husband has either passed away or is too old to be a caregiver.
Being a caregiver is hard for anyone, much harder if you are over 50 years old. However, it is also hard on your adult children who have careers, families, and other responsibilities.
Give Your Family Time to Be Family
You can give your family time to be family as you give yourself access to your choice of quality care in the setting you desire. Plus, you can protect your savings and income at the same time.
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is the solution for many American families. You can't wait, however, until you are older and require care to obtain coverage.
Your Health is a Consideration
Long-Term Care Insurance is underwritten based on your health history. This includes the medications you are taking and other factors. Every company has different rules. You will have to answer questions to get an accurate quote. That means you should speak with a specialist.
Use an LTC Specialist to Find Affordable Coverage
A Long-Term Care Insurance specialist will be able to fit your age, health, family history, and other factors with the right insurance company. This way, you have quality coverage but won't spend a lot of money. Most general insurance agents and financial planners are not qualified to help in this area.
LTC NEWS can help you find an experienced specialist who works with the major insurance companies. They will have experience in underwriting, policy design, claims, and the federal/state partnership programs available in many states. Just click here.
Long-Term Care Insurance is affordable if you purchase it when you are younger and in reasonably good health. Experts suggest planning before you retire; most people obtain coverage in their 50s. No matter, a specialist will be able to find the right coverage at a price you can afford.
Being truthful to your doctor, to a Long-Term Care Insurance specialist, and to yourself will benefit you and your family.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
You can have your future retirement planned thoroughly, but you are not fully prepared unless you have considered the consequences of long-term health care.
The costs of long-term health care can dramatically impact your income and assets. Unless you are prepared, you would need to liquidate assets to pay for the expensive costs of in-home care, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes. Not only are you using your own money the tax consequences of selling off accounts can make your costs even higher. Plus, consider the timing. You may be selling at a loss if the markets are down when you need the funds to pay for long-term care, yet that loss could still be a taxable gain.
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance gives you guaranteed tax-free funds to pay for your choice of quality care services. You can safeguard your income and assets and reduce the considerable stress and anxiety otherwise placed on your family.
Benefits from Long-Term Care Insurance are always tax-free, and premiums can be tax-deductible in some cases.
Most people start obtaining coverage in their 50s.
Planning Tools and Resources on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan the costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Seek Professional Guidance
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, insurance companies' premiums vary over 100% for the same coverage.
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad
Start by reading our four guides -
- Finding Quality In-Home Care | LTC News
- Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs) | LTC News
- Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities | LTC News
- Finding a Quality Nursing Home | LTC News
If they are lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help.
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work, free with no obligation.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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