Surviving the Hospital - 6 Secrets Every Patient Should Know (ft. Val Barschaw) | Healthcare 101 Ep. 6

This week, host Chuck Melendi sits down with Val Barschaw, author of the new book Surviving the Hospital: Six Secrets Every Patient Should Know and longtime patient advocate. Drawing from her husband’s decade-long journey to a heart transplant and more than 25 years of post-transplant care, Val reveals practical, life-saving strategies for anyone navigating a hospital stay.Her message is simple but transformative: patients must STOP being passive recipients and become active partners in their own care.Together, Chuck and Val break down 6 key ways that patients and families can reduce hospital errors, advocate effectively, and prepare for the unexpected—turning the unknown into clarity and control. About Val’s Book:Surviving the Hospital: Six Secrets Every Patient Should Know is a concise, empowering guide that equips patients and caregivers with the tools to stay safe, confident, and informed in any hospital setting.➡️ Learn more and get your copy at www.hospitaltohealth.com. Resources Mentioned:• Book: Never Pay the First Bill by Marshall Allen — a must-read for handling medical billing disputes.• Advocacy Resource: Greater National Advocates — find a patient or billing advocate near you.• Chuck’s Website: DisruptiveDialogue.org— access templates for contacting legislators and healthcare advocacy tools and so much more. Subscribe & Share:If this episode opened your eyes or could help someone facing a hospital stay, please subscribe, rate, and share! Together we can demand better—and make healthcare work for everyone.