Charles B. Inlander

Charles B. Inlander, a consumer advocate and health-care consultant based in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania. He was the founding president of the nonprofit People’s Medical Society, a consumer-advocacy organization credited with key improvements in the quality of US health care, and is the author or coauthor of more than 20 consumer-health books.

Hospital Helpers

Hospital Helpers

Charles B. Inlander | September 9, 2022

Hospital stays are getting shorter and shorter. Thirty years ago, the average stay was seven days. Today, it’s down to…

Don’t Go Alone To Your Health Appointments

Don’t Go Alone To Your Health Appointments

Charles B. Inlander | July 10, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the health-care system. Thousands of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, therapists,…

Checking on Local Health Care

Checking on Local Health Care

Charles B. Inlander | June 19, 2022

The quality of a state’s health-care system doesn’t tell the whole story. Sometimes what matters is what is available close…

Second Opinions: When, Where, and How?

Second Opinions: When, Where, and How?

Charles B. Inlander | May 9, 2022

I’m not telling you anything you didn’t know when I recommend seeking medical second opinions. As studies point out, up…

Your Advocate
Mental Health

Your Advocate

Charles B. Inlander | April 7, 2022

Seeking Mental Health Services In addition to the tragic loss of life caused by COVID-19, the pandemic has taken an…

Keeping Your Own Medical Record

Keeping Your Own Medical Record

Charles B. Inlander | November 6, 2021

The longer you live, the more encounters you have with the health care system. After a while, you may forget…

A Shortage of Doctors and Nurses

A Shortage of Doctors and Nurses

Charles B. Inlander | September 9, 2021

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a growing shortage of doctors and nurses across America. The problem was particularly…

How to Make Sense of Hospital Pricing

How to Make Sense of Hospital Pricing

Charles B. Inlander | August 17, 2021

When the Affordable Care Act (ACA or “Obamacare”) was enacted in 2010, one of its major provisions was requiring hospitals…

What’s New with Long-Term Care Insurance

What’s New with Long-Term Care Insurance

Charles B. Inlander | July 29, 2020

Long-care insurance isn’t new, but there are recent developments everyone should know about whether you have this type of coverage or not. Read on…

Preauthorization Traps: Don’t Get Stuck with Unexpected Medical Bills

Preauthorization Traps: Don’t Get Stuck with Unexpected Medical Bills

Charles B. Inlander | June 30, 2020

Don’t assume that every test or procedure your doctor orders will be covered by your health insurance plan. Here’s when you need preauthorization…

Is It Time to see a Geriatrician?

Is It Time to see a Geriatrician?

Charles B. Inlander | May 26, 2020

Once we hit our 60s, 70s and beyond, our medical needs are often quite different from what they were when we were in middle age or early adulthood.

Smart Ways to Deal with Your Loved One’s Doctors

Smart Ways to Deal with Your Loved One’s Doctors

Charles B. Inlander | April 30, 2020

For caregivers who must take charge at a patient’s doctor appointment, the “rules” aren’t always clear. What you need to know…

How to Be Heard in the Health Care Debate

How to Be Heard in the Health Care Debate

Charles B. Inlander | March 30, 2020

Health care is vital for everyone, so it’s important to voice your concerns during this political season. Here are the best ways to be heard…

Lyme or Chronic Fatigue? Get Your Insurer to Pay Up

Lyme or Chronic Fatigue? Get Your Insurer to Pay Up

Charles B. Inlander | November 11, 2019

When you doctor says you have a health problem that your health or disability insurer insists isn’t “real,” it’s time to fight back. How to win…

Is Your Doctor Referring You to the Best Medical Specialist?

Is Your Doctor Referring You to the Best Medical Specialist?

Charles B. Inlander | October 14, 2019

Doctors can be good resources for referrals to medical specialists, but they are not always be objective. What to watch out for…