x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Take Care

Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming—Take Care is here to change that. Hosted by healthcare leader and industry expert Melody Mulaik, this podcast breaks down the complexities of healthcare so you can be empowered, informed, and in control. Whether you"re managing your own care or supporting someone else, each episode delivers clear, practical insights to help you take care of what matters most. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us in making healthcare less

education how to

All Episodes

33:58

What Every Woman Should Know About Breast Imaging: A...

Take Care ·

2026/04/07

Breast imaging can feel confusing… but understanding it could save your life.In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik sits down with Dr. Dana Smetherman, CEO of the American College of Radiology (ACR), to break down what radiologists actually do and why imaging plays a critical role in early detection, especially for breast cancer.From mammograms and MRIs to dense breast tissue and insurance challenges, this conversation helps patients understand what to expect, what questions to ask, and how to

en-us

24:27

Understanding Medical Imaging and How to Advocate for...

Take Care ·

2026/03/17

Medical imaging plays a critical role in diagnosing injuries, detecting disease, and guiding treatment decisions. Yet many patients feel confused about what happens during imaging tests and who is actually involved in their care.In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik is joined by Jason Newmark, Executive Director of the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA). Jason explains the different types of medical imaging, the professionals involved behind the scenes, and why patients

en-us

6:23

Hospital to Rehab/Skilled Nursing Facility: Steps...

Take Care ·

2026/03/10

When a loved one is hospitalized, caregivers often face the question: ‘What happens next?’ In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik shares her experience helping her 90-year-old mother transition from the hospital to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility. Melody explains key steps caregivers should know, including Medicare’s ‘three-day hospital stay rule’, the role of hospital case managers, and how early communication with the care team can help make the transition smoother. What Y...

en-us

6:49

How to Choose a Hospital With Confidence Using Data...

Take Care ·

2026/03/03

How do you know if a hospital or doctor is actually “good”?In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik answers a listener's question about where to find trustworthy information when choosing a provider or hospital. With so many ratings, reviews, and opinions online, it can feel overwhelming. This episode breaks down the difference between official quality data, independent rankings, and patient reviews, and how to use them wisely.You’ll learn how to research hospital performance, what CMS star

en-us

7:40

When to Choose the Self-Pay Option Instead of Insurance

Take Care ·

2026/02/24

When does it make sense to pay out of pocket for healthcare instead of using insurance?In this episode of the Take Care podcast, Melody Mulaik answers David’s question about the pros and cons of self-pay (cash pay) versus using health insurance for medical services.She walks through real-life situations where paying out of pocket may cost less, when insurance is clearly the better choice, and the key tradeoffs to think through before making a decision.What You’ll Learn:[00:02:40] Why self-pay can

en-us

3:57

How to Get a Medical Second Opinion in 3 Steps

Take Care ·

2026/02/17

Get a second opinion without the stress spiral.In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik shares a simple 3-step process you can use to advocate for yourself or a loved one.What You’ll Learn:The 3-step framework for getting a second opinionHow to talk to your current physician openly and productivelyHow to keep continuity of care so nothing falls through the cracksA real-world example from Take Care about seeking specialty input for a child’s conditionTimestamps:00:00:13 Listener question and why

en-us

5:40

Why Does the Insurance Company Pay Less Than What My...

Take Care ·

2026/02/10

Why does your doctor bill one amount, but your insurance pays something completely different? In this episode of the Take Care podcast, Melody Mulaik breaks down one of the most confusing parts of healthcare billing and explains why the number on your bill is rarely the number your physician receives.Using a real listener question, this episode walks through how insurance contracts work, how in-network and out-of-network status is decided, and why Medicare rates play such a big role in what doctors

en-us

8:51

Why Did I Get a Separate Lab Bill? Understanding...

Take Care ·

2026/02/03

You went to the doctor, paid your copay… and then a separate lab bill showed up. Why does this happen?In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik explains why lab work is often billed separately from your doctor’s visit, how insurance companies classify lab services, and why those charges may apply to your deductible instead of your copay.You’ll learn the difference between preventive and diagnostic lab tests, what questions to ask before getting bloodwork done, and how to check your insurance so

en-us

5:54

Where Should I Get My Prescriptions Filled? Mail...

Take Care ·

2026/01/27

Filling a prescription seems simple until you’re faced with multiple options, insurance rules, and cost differences that aren’t always explained.In this episode of Take Care, host Melody Mulaik answers a listener’s question: Where should I get my prescriptions filled? Melody walks through the pros and cons of local pharmacies versus mail-order prescriptions and explains how to decide based on urgency, cost, insurance coverage, and personal preference.This episode helps you understand that there’s no

en-us

5:46

What to Do When Your Physician Dismisses You as a...

Take Care ·

2026/01/20

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

en-us

7:27

Your Medical Information, Your Rights: HIPAA

Take Care ·

2026/01/13

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,

en-us

20:27

Telehealth Explained: Navigating Virtual Care,...

Take Care ·

2026/01/06

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

en-us

21:32

Top 5 Medical Billing Questions Answered: Your Bill...

Take Care ·

2025/12/16

Navigating the mountain of medical correspondence and bills is one of the most stressful parts of receiving care. Melody Mulaik breaks down the top five most confusing medical billing issues and gives you a clear, actionable plan to validate every charge, so you only pay what you truly owe.Learn the critical difference between the communication that says "This is not a bill" and the final statement that requests payment. Most importantly, Melody provides the one non-negotiable step you

en-us

25:49

Top 5 Things you Need to Know to Get the Care You...

Take Care ·

2025/12/02

Navigating your health requires more than just showing up; it requires a strategy. Melody Mulaik breaks down the complexities into five actionable steps, so you can stop feeling powerless and start getting the high-quality, timely care you deserve.Are you struggling to find a specialist without a three-month wait? Does your doctor rush you and type on a computer instead of listening? Are you sick and need care today? Melody provides insider strategies for all these common pain points.Featured

en-us

6:13

FSA vs HSA: What's the Difference and How to Choose...

Take Care ·

2025/11/25

Deciding between an FSA and an HSA can feel like a financial gamble, especially with the 'use it or lose it' rule hanging over an FSA. Melody Mulaik breaks down the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and the Health Savings Account (HSA). Learn the critical differences in funding, ownership, portability, and rollover rules so you can confidently set aside pre-tax dollars to cover your family’s qualified medical expenses. Whether you're in a high-deductible plan or planning for predictable

en-us

8:46

How to Decipher Insurance Claims and Understand What...

Take Care ·

2025/11/18

Getting a statement from your insurance company can feel like trying to read a foreign language. What is an EOB? Why does it say, "This is not a bill?" And most importantly, what do you actually owe?Melody Mulaik demystifies the Explanation of Benefits (EOB). She walks you through, step-by-step, how to find your EOBs on your insurer's website and how to read them line by line. You'll learn the difference between the "amount billed" and the "member rate," how

en-us

4:53

What is Pregnancy Global Package Billing? | Ep. 19

Take Care ·

2025/11/11

Expecting a baby is an exciting time, but the financial paperwork can be confusing. When Caroline’s OB-GYN handed her a financial agreement for a “global billing package,” she wasn’t sure what it meant for her costs. In this episode, Melody breaks down exactly what a maternity global package is and why it’s used. Learn the critical steps to verify the cost with your insurance, what questions to ask about included and excluded services, and how to make sure you don't get hit with unexpected fe...

en-us

28:43

How to Choose the Right Insurance Plan for You | Take...

Take Care ·

2025/11/04

Choosing a health insurance plan can be one of the most confusing and stressful decisions you make all year. Whether you're aging off your parents' plan, starting a new job, or navigating open enrollment, that list of options can feel overwhelming. In the Take Care Together series, Melody Mulaik is joined by her daughter, Ashley, to break down the process from two different generational perspectives. They demystify the confusing jargon, explain the real-world differences between plan types, a...

en-us

4:05

Can I See an Out of Network Provider? | Ep. 17

Take Care ·

2025/10/28

Your doctor recommends an out-of-network specialist, leaving you with a critical question: Can you see them, and more importantly, what will it cost you? This episode tackles the financial stress and confusion that comes with going out-of-network. Melody breaks down the problem into a simple, two-part framework to help you understand your options and your financial responsibility before you make an appointment. Learn the exact steps to determine what your insurance will (or won't) cover, how ...

en-us

8:03

How to Plan Ahead for ER Visits: Reduce Stress and...

Take Care ·

2025/10/21

When a loved one is sick, the last thing you want to stress about is which hospital will cost less. In this episode, Melody answers a question from a listener who struggles with this exact problem and lays out a simple, proactive plan you can follow before an emergency happens. Featured topics in this episode: The critical difference between "in-network" and "out-of-network" hospitals is that choosing the wrong one can significantly impact your final bill.How to understand your specific insur...

en-us

37 results

Similar Podcasts

Science Talk

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

五分钟心理学

柠檬心理

Daily Facts

Amalia Dupray and Montgomery Jones.

Les dents et dodo

BFMTV

Veterinary Clinical Podcasts

The Royal Veterinary College