healthcare

What did my mother teach me?

What did I learn from my mother? When your parent is first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it’s almost a relief.  Finally, there’s a reason, an explanation for the ‘off’ behavior.  Ten years into the journey, the diagnosis becomes a bit of a grind.    It’s familiar, doable, but leaves an air of disappointment at every realization …

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A deep dive into Bituach Leumi (Israel National Health Insurance)

Part I: How to feel empowered within a rigid bureaucratic system True story. A new immigrant called up her kupat cholim (HMO) and said she wanted to know if she could see a different doctor in the same quarter, because she hadn’t liked the manner of this particular doctor.  The clerk on the other end …

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6 Fun Facts You Should Know When Caring for an Alzheimer’s Patient

In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness month, I thought I would do a quick review of some things you must know when you have an Alzheimer’s (or person with dementia ) in your life. 1. Advice Only people who don’t actually have a person with dementia in their life should consult all those sites for “caregivers” …

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Ask Aviva #26: Does Maccabi cover podiatry?

Do you know if Maccabi covers podiatry? – Robin Dear Robin, Podiatry can be problematic in Israel. Due to the fact that there are no formal training programs (in medical school) in Israel, there are no formal podiatrists. The Ministry of Health thus decided, no new podiatrists in the kupah because we don’t have anyone …

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Ask Aviva #25: Can international patients buy care at Israeli hospitals?

Dear Aviva, My aunt came to Israel and needs a procedure done, but it’s not covered under her travel insurance. Can she have it done in a hospital in Israel, and, if so, what is the process? Sincerely, Tune up in Tekoa   Dear Tune up, Israel is definitely becoming a destination for medical tourism, …

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What I Learned From Making My Own Underground Map

I always have many promotional emails that pop up in my inbox, and I usually delete them at the end of the week, but this week one caught my eye. Chen of Cadensee, Let’s Talk Medical, a sciences communications company, doesn’t usually disappoint, and last week’s blog was especially relevant since it involved the London …

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Ask Aviva #23: Why is the allergist referring me to a pulmonologist?

Dear Aviva, I’m allergic to mold and pollen and dogs. I get asthma and sometimes it’s hard to breathe so my allergist back in the U.S. just prescribed me an inhaler. But when I went to the allergist here, she told me I needed to go to a “rofe rayot”. What’s that and why do …

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Birth Options in Israel [Birth Series Part #2]

In honor of the fact that, in Israel, August has the most deliveries of any month, I thought I’d be proactive and make June birth month. This week we’re reviewing different birth options. In true researcher fashion, with each child, I gave birth in a different hospital (not planned, actually, but cool, right?) This obviously …

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Ask Aviva #22: Why isn’t my therapy subsidized through my kupah?

Dear Aviva, I’ve read what you published about getting subsidized therapy through the kupah, but my therapist doesn’t seem to be doing that. Can you tell me why? Sincerely, Confused in Keshet   Dear Confused, So glad you’ve been reading my posts in honor of mental health month. As of 2017, you are correct, the …

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