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 confusing—and more human.
Episodes
57 episodes
Whole-Body MRI: Is a Full-Body Scan Worth It?
A whole-body MRI sounds reassuring: one scan that looks across much of your body, potentially finding a problem before you feel symptoms. But what happens if it finds something unexpected? And does a clear result mean you can skip your usual sc...
Vision Insurance vs. Medical Insurance: Which Covers Your Eye Exam?
Why would an eye appointment go through vision insurance one day and medical insurance another? A listener named Mike asked this question after a recent Take Care episode about choosing health ...
The Future of Medicaid Funding: What to Expect in 2027 with Nathan Baugh
When major legislation passes in Washington, it often feels completely disconnected from our daily lives. However, the upcoming changes driven by the One Big Beautiful Bill will eventually ripple through the entire healthcare system. Starting i...
Open Enrollment Health Insurance Guide: How to Choose the Best Plan
It is open enrollment season, the crucial time of year when individuals and families select their health insurance coverage for the upcoming calendar year. In this episode of Take Care...
What Is a Medical Credit Balance and How Do Refunds Work?
Have you ever paid an upfront fee at the doctor's office only to realize later that you paid more than your insurance company actually required? Navigating deductibles and upfront billing estimates can leave even cautious patients v...
The Medigap Trap: Why Medicare Advantage Is a Lifelong Decision with Nathan Baugh
Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to helping your parents choose the right Medicare plan. Every year, millions of Americans are drawn to Medicare Advantage plans by the promise of zero-dollar co-pays...
Health Insurance Terms Explained: The A to Z Guide Every Patient Should Know
Health insurance can feel like learning a new language. Between deductibles, copays, coinsurance, prior authorizations, and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs), it's easy to feel overwhelmed when reviewing your medical bills.In this episode o...
Paying Medical Bills Before You Meet Your Deductible: A Simple Tip to Help You Avoid Overpaying
Have you ever been asked to pay hundreds of dollars at a doctor's office simply because you haven't met your health insurance deductible?Many patients assume the amount requested at check-in is exactly what they owe. In reality, that amo...
Office Visit Fees Explained: What Every Patient Needs to Know
Have you ever gone to a follow-up appointment or a quick procedure and wondered why you were charged an office visit fee on top of everything else?In this episode of Take Care, ...
How the ‘No Surprises Act’ Protects You from Unexpected Medical Bills
Have you ever done everything right, chosen an in-network hospital, verified your insurance coverage, and still received a surprise medical bill from a provider you never even met?In this episode of
Some of the Hidden Rules of Health Insurance Coverage in America with John Hennessy
In this episode of the Take Care podcast, Melody Mulaik sits with John Hennessy, an Associate Principal at
Why Prescription Drug Shortages Happen and How to Respond | Take Care Together
Running out of medication is stressful enough. Finding out the pharmacy doesn’t even have it in stock adds another layer of frustration.In this episode of Take Care Together,
Why You Need a Doctor’s Visit for Medication Refills
Why does your doctor sometimes refuse to refill a medication unless you schedule an appointment first? It can feel frustrating, especially when you’ve been taking the same prescription for years without any problems.In this episode of
What Is Home Health Care? A Simple Guide for Caregivers and Families
When a loved one comes home from the hospital, many families suddenly hear terms like “home health,” “physical therapy,” or “homebound” and wonder what it all actually means.In this episode of
Palliative Care vs Hospice: What Families Need to Know
When a loved one is facing a serious illness, families are often introduced to terms like “palliative care” and “hospice care.” While these two types of care share similar goals, they serve different purposes and are used at different stages of...
What Is Theranostics? A Breakthrough in Cancer Care with Dr. Brandon Mancini, MBA, FACRO
What if doctors could see exactly where cancer is located and then deliver treatment directly to those cancer cells with precision?In this episode of Take Care,
How to Find a New Doctor When You Move: A Step-by-Step Guide | Take Care Together
Moving to a new city comes with a long to-do list, but finding the right doctor shouldn’t be left to chance.In this episode of Take Care Together,
Interventional Radiology: Treatments You Didn't Know Exist with Dr. Matthew Hawkins, MBA
What if some of the treatments you need… don’t require surgery at all?In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik sits down with
What Parents Need to Know Today, Wisdom from Expert Pediatrician Dr. Robert Harrison, MPH
Choosing the right doctor for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent, but how do you actually know who to trust?In this episode of Take Care, ...
How to Navigate Your Child’s Cancer: Advocacy, Support, and Survival with Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, parents are thrown into a world they were never prepared for.In this episode of Take Care, Melody ...
What Every Woman Should Know About Breast Imaging: A Conversation with Dr. Dana Smetherman, CEO of ACR
Breast imaging can feel confusing… but understanding it could save your life.In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik sits down wi...
Understanding Medical Imaging and How to Advocate for Yourself: What Patients Should Know with Jason Newmark
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 ...
Hospital to Rehab/Skilled Nursing Facility: Steps Caregivers Need to Know
When a loved one is hospitalized, caregivers often face the question: ‘What happens next?’ In this episode of Take Care, Melody Mulaik share...