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.

Melody Mulaik and Ashley Hunter demystify the world of telehealth and telemedicine. From diagnosing a sinus infection from your couch to managing a specialist's care in a different state, virtual visits have transformed how we access healthcare.

But with new technology comes new questions: Is my insurance going to pay for this? Is that TikTok ad for medication legitimate?

Melody and Ashley break down the "how-to" of virtual care, provide a framework for vetting online services, and share tips for helping older family members navigate digital appointments.

Featured Topics:

• Understanding the live, virtual interaction between patients and providers for diagnosis and prescriptions.
• How to research the legitimacy, transparency, and provider availability of digital healthcare websites.
• Navigating the complexities of 2026 coverage and how state laws impact online medical care.

In this episode, Melody and Ashley discuss:

• [00:09] Telehealth allows providers to diagnose and prescribe via live video on computers or phones.
• [02:22] COVID-19 accelerated telehealth adoption and insurance coverage by roughly 20 years.
• [03:32] Virtual visits offer faster appointments for rural residents and caregivers of elderly parents.
• [05:58] While coverage continues in 2026, state laws and specific insurance plans still vary.
• [10:48] Consumers should prioritize transparency and consult local pharmacists to verify online medical services.

Want to Ask Melody? Visit: https://melodymulaik.com/ASK

Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss an episode.

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.