In an age where healthcare providers must shrink the time alloted to each patient, being prepared and educated about your health is more important than ever. Surviving American Healthcare teaches you how to negotiate the often tricky U.S. health system, and advocate for yourself or someone you love. Valerie Conrad is an ICU nurse and former paramedic who has worked with thousands of patients. She believes that patient preparation and advocacy can mean the difference between good care and care that is sub-par. In short, what you will learn in this book could save your life or the life of someone you love.