How to be a patient: the essential guide to navigating the world of modern medicine

Part one: When all is well. Where to start ; Unlearn what you know about being a patient ; Appoint a team ; Gather provisions ; Drugs 101

Part two: When it's routine. Making your way into the system ; How to talk to providers

Part three: Making the most of each medical encounter. When something is wrong ; Navigating touchy territory ; How to avoid a wild-goose chase

Part four: When it's chronic : navigating long-term and ongoing medical problems. Brewing problems ; A field guide for pain ; Mastering disease

Part five: When it's an emergency. ER vs. urgent care vs. wait until Monday ; Am I dying? (emergency preparedness, extended) ; Are they dying? (pedestrian emergencies)

Part six: When you're having a procedure. Choosing if, where, and who

Part seven: When you're in the hospital. Bring your own pillow ; Culture, checks, and balances ; How to be vigilant

Part eight: When you're not the patient : family members, partners, and friends. You define family ; When it's your kid ; When you're getting older (or when it's your parent)

Part nine: When you're not a straight white male. The female patient ; When you're having a baby ; Health advocacy for LGBTQ patients ; Implicit bias and systemic oppression

Part ten: When you have to stand up to the industry. How to deal with insurance ; Big pharma and the FDA

Appendices.