If you are a Medicare beneficiary and have a concern about the quality of care you receive, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) can help you. They can perform a medical record review and then possibly offer you a new, free option: Mediation.

A mediation session is run by an impartial person to help both sides come to an agreement. The person is trained in mediation. The meeting is private and the discussion cannot be used in any legal hearings.

People who have used mediation usually say that these relationships have improved.

To find out, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Tell them about your quality of care concern. They will refer you to your state's QIO. Following an initial review of the medical record, a QIO physician will determine if your case qualifies for mediation. Not all cases will qualify. 
The mediation cannot take place unless the QIO physician determines your case qualifies for mediation  and both you and your health care provider agree to the mediation. If your case does not qualify for mediation, the Review Specialist at the QIO will continue with a full review.

Your heart is a muscle that works like a pump. Heart failure means your heart is not pumping as well as it should. It has weakened from disease.

Heart failure usually develops slowly. As your heart weakens, it enlarges and tries to pump faster. You may gain weight, have swelling in the feet and ankles, shortness of breath and a cough. You may feel tired. You may even have chest pain or loss of appetite.

• Testing (such as an echocardiogram) to find out what kind of heart failure you have.
  
• Medicines (one of these is called an ACE inhibitor) to make it easier for your heart to pump.
  
• Information to learn more about heart failure and how to take care of yourself.
  
• MORE information to learn what foods you should be eating and which ones you should not eat.
  

• If you smoke, QUIT!
  
• Take all medications exactly as prescribed. Don't be afraid to ask if you are not sure.
  
• Follow the diet given to you. You may have to reduce your salt intake and you may be told to limit the amount of fluid you have each day.
  
• Weigh yourself daily. Ask your doctor what to do if you start gaining weight.
  
• Ask your doctor for an exercise program and follow it closely.
  
• See your doctor regularly.