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41 Navigating The Healthcare Maze 41 Navigating The Healthcare Maze NAVIGATING THE HEALTHCARE MAZE : NAVIGATING THE HEALTHCARE MAZE : There is no “hotter” topic today than healthcare. The Presidential candidates talked about it in their stump speeches and in their ads. Health insurance is the most sought after benefit employees seek, as costs continue to skyrocket and the number of uninsured Americans keeps growing (47 million in 2006, according to a special report issued by the U.S. Census in August, 2007.) And while many of us feel loyal to our own doctors, we constantly complain about a healthcare experience we have – be it in a hospital, emergency room or being a new patient in a specialists’ practice. It all just seems so overwhelming…is there really anything we can do to change things? The answer is a resounding “yes”, and Navigating the Healthcare Maze-What You Need to Know tells you how. This book is a wake-up call to all of us. It is about being a better advocate when it comes to your own health. Take your health matters into your own hands; as Jeff likes to say, become the best “consumer-patient” possible. Be prepared. Ask questions. Don’t automatically accept the first treatment plan or even diagnosis – especially if it makes you feel uncomfortable. The author is not suggesting that you be combative toward your physician. Quite the contrary. However, he does want you to create a dialogue with your health care providers in which you ask educated questions. He advises you to come into their office completely prepared. The doctor-patient relationship works both ways!. Commitment to being well prepared and empowered is so vitally important in all our daily lives but no more important than today within our present economic crises. Jeff’s writing style is full of entertaining story telling and practical tips on how you can effectively navigate, and ultimately create a straight path to good health. This book is a call-to-action for you – the consumer-patient. You are in charge of your good health! Order you copy of NAVIGATING THE HEALTHCARE MAZE online at www.navigatingthehealthcaremaze.com today! “Jeff Knott has written a truly enlightening book. This is a must read for anyone contemplating a medical adventure and who isn’t! The insight and suggestions contained in the book are a valuable compendium for what to do, questions to ask and knowledge into the complex world of medicine for those in need of medical care”. Hugo A. Keim, MD Former Professor of Orthopaedics and Chief of Spinal Surgery Columbia University, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York City, N.Y. JEFF KNOTT JEFF KNOTT was born in England and graduated from Loughborough University with a BSc degree. After immigrating to the United States, he received a Masters Degree at Western Kentucky University and an Executive MBA at the University of South Florida. He participated in the Harvard Business School’s Multinational Marketing Senior Executive Program in Vevey, Switzerland. He spent 20 years with Johnson and Johnson, in their Professional Products Division, identifying and developing international distributorships. For a time he was based in Brazil before becoming International Marketing Director, Professional Products Division. While at Johnson and Johnson, he conducted business in over 100 countries, growing familiar with the worldwide medical industry. In this capacity, Jeff was instrumental in the development of vital sign systems and catheters worldwide. His experience observing doctors in the Operating Room, whilst developing Johnson and Johnson global business helped pique his interest in helping consumers navigate complex healthcare systems. After leaving Johnson and Johnson, he became President of Jim Walter International Corporation, where he successfully managed the building materials company outside the United States. His career at Jim Walter was followed with his appointment as Vice President, International of Rooms To Go Corporation – currently a leading U.S. furniture retailer.Jeff’s unique combination of worldwide experience in both healthcare and retail has led him to exciting opportunities like lecturing as a visiting professor at a number of universities, appearing on a variety of TV programs, and speaking on international subjects to cross-cultural audiences. Jeff is involved in the community and has sat on a number of boards, including the University of Tampa’s Board of Trustees. He was selected to be a member of the Initiative for Global Development (IGD) co-founded by William Gates Snr– a national alliance of business leaders that champions effective solutions to global poverty.is overall passion for healthcare, which he has observed worldwide, along with his family’s major personal health experiences, has culminated in his personal commitment to make a difference. In his words, he wants all of us to “stay well.” www.navigatingthehealthcaremaze.com www.navigatingthehealthcaremaze.com