A Nurse’s Wake-Up Call at Her Own Wellness Visit

After 44 years in healthcare… I still find myself surprised.

This week, I went in for a routine well-woman visit.

I’ve been a patient at this practice for over 12 years. The visit was familiar — but what happened wasn’t.

The provider began suggesting I had a condition I know well — one I’ve taught about, coached around, and have never personally experienced. As she asked each question, I calmly answered no.

No symptoms. No history. No concerns. And yet… the conversation kept circling back.

When I checked out, I was told my visit had been recoded from “preventive” to “problem-based.” That meant a charge — $100 out-of-pocket.

Not for tests. Not for treatment. Just… a different label.

As a lifelong RN, someone who’s worked in hospitals, coached in wellness, and led healthcare sales teams, I knew what had happened. And it broke my heart a little.

Not because of the charge… But because of what it represented.

*A system that sometimes feels more focused on codes than care

*A culture where patients aren’t always heard, even those with decades of experience

*And a moment that reminded me: we still have so much work to do

I spoke up. I always will.

Not in anger, but in alignment with what I know to be right.

The healthcare system is full of incredible people doing their best. But there’s also room — and need — for improvement. For integrity. For listening. For honoring both the data and the person sitting in front of you.

We can do better.

And we will.

— Lisa Asbell, RN

 Advocate for Better Wellness. Creator of WELL by DESIGN™

From LB:

Stories like Lisa’s remind us that even with experience, we’re still fighting to be taken seriously—especially in midlife. That’s one of the reasons I started So This Is Freaking 50. We deserve care that listens, honors our voices, and treats our whole selves—not just our charts. Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep pushing for better. For us, and for every woman coming up behind us.

Until the next hot flash…

 💋 LB