Filling a prescription seems simple until you’re faced with multiple options, insurance rules, and cost differences that aren’t always explained.

In this episode of Take Care, host Melody Mulaik answers a listener’s question: Where should I get my prescriptions filled? Melody walks through the pros and cons of local pharmacies versus mail-order prescriptions and explains how to decide based on urgency, cost, insurance coverage, and personal preference.

This episode helps you understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer and that you’re allowed to mix and change options as your needs evolve.

In this episode, Melody discusses:

• [00:30] Why this question is more complex than it sounds
• [01:00] In-person pharmacies: grocery store vs freestanding locations
• [01:35] The advantage of same-day and 24-hour pharmacies
• [02:00] Why access to a pharmacist matters, especially for new medications
• [02:45] Mail-order prescriptions and why they’re usually 90-day supplies
• [03:10] Cost savings and convenience of mail-order medications
• [03:45] Insurance considerations and mail-order contracts
• [04:30] Why you don’t have to choose just one option
• [05:00] How to decide what works best for your situation

Take Your Healthcare Advocacy Further

Navigating the healthcare system doesn't have to be a solo journey. For deeper dives into the topics we discuss on the show, plus exclusive "insider" tips delivered straight to your feed, subscribe to Take Care Newsletter.

• Subscribe to the Take Care Newsletter
• Connect With Melody on LinkedIn
• Got a Healthcare Question? Ask Melody Now.

Finding out your doctor can no longer see you is a jarring experience that can leave you feeling dismissed and anxious about your health.

In this episode of Take Care, host Melody Mulaik demystifies the process of "physician dismissal." You’ll learn why this happens, what legal protections you have against patient abandonment, and most importantly, the immediate steps you need to take to ensure your care isn't interrupted.

In this episode, Melody discusses:

• [00:45] The Hard Truth: Can a doctor really "fire" a patient?
• [01:10] Understanding Patient Abandonment: Why they can’t just stop caring for you without notice.
• [02:00] The Notice Period: What to look for in your formal written communication.
• [03:00] The Action Plan: Securing medical records and ensuring you have access to prescriptions.
• [04:00] Finding Your New Provider: Resources, insurance tips, and referral advice.
• [04:45] Your Rights: When and how to contact your state medical board.

Take Your Healthcare Advocacy Further

Navigating the healthcare system doesn't have to be a solo journey. For deeper dives into the topics we discuss on the show, plus exclusive "insider" tips delivered straight to your feed, subscribe to Take Care Newsletter.

• Subscribe to the Take Care Newsletter
• Connect With Melody on LinkedIn
• Got a Healthcare Question? Ask Melody Now.

Have you ever signed a HIPAA form at the doctor’s office and wondered what you were actually agreeing to? In this episode, Melody Mulaik breaks down the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to demonstrate that it’s more than just paperwork; it’s a powerful tool for patient empowerment.

From your right to access your own records to how you can dictate who sees your information, Melody explains how to navigate these protections to ensure your healthcare remains accurate, private, and within your control.

In this episode, Melody discusses:

• [00:00] What is HIPAA and why does it matter to you?
• [01:12] Your right to access and own copies of your medical and billing records
• [01:58] How to request changes or amendments to inaccurate medical information
• [02:40] Understanding the Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP)
• [03:45] Requesting restrictions on how your information is shared
• [04:44] Dictating your communication preferences and confidential contacts
• [05:33] Withdrawing permission and managing third-party access
• [06:30] Final recap of patient rights under HIPAA

Want to Ask Melody? Visit: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode. If you've ever signed a privacy form at the doctor's office and wondered what you were actually agreeing to or, if you've ever found an error in your medical records and didn't know you could fix it, this episode is a must-listen.

Take Your Healthcare Advocacy Further

Navigating the healthcare system doesn't have to be a solo journey. For deeper dives into the topics we discuss on the show, plus exclusive "insider" tips delivered straight to your feed, subscribe to Take Care Newsletter.

• Subscribe to the Take Care Newsletter
• Connect With Melody on LinkedIn
• Got a Healthcare Question? Ask Melody Now.