What to know about medical research articles
For the latest discoveries or very specific questions, see research articles. This guide shows the best ways to locate them. Reasons to consult research articles To verify, update or obtain more information about medical news To find emerging research or information about very specific medical questions To check information from a chatbot Sources & more […]
What to know about HIPAA & privacy
HIPAA rules about health information privacy are often misunderstood. Learn what HIPAA actually requires. Patient rights to records The HIPAA Privacy Rule, a federal law, generally gives patients the right to access their complete medical record The main exceptions to this rule are- Psychotherapy notes about a counseling session- Disclosures that are likely to endanger […]
What to know about advance directives
Advance planning can be as simple as naming a healthcare power of attorney, or more detailed. Find free forms for creating directives here. Types of directives A durable power of attorney for healthcare (POA) names a person to make healthcare decisions when a patient cannot make these decisions for themselves A living will specifies types […]
What to know about doctors
Follow this 9-step guide to decide when to see a primary care physician and when to seek a specialist; understand the many different types of specialists; develop a list of candidates; check candidate credentials, disciplinary history, reviews, and level of experience; and see suggestions for using telehealth to expand your options or obtain some types of prescriptions without an in-person visit.
What to know about prevention
Everyday choices greatly affect life expectancy and good health. Here’s what you can do. Opportunities for prevention Up to half of early deaths (before age 80) in the U.S. are preventable Lifestyle changes in adulthood involving diet, activity, weight management, smoking and alcohol can increase life expectancy by more than a decade Injury is the […]
What to know about screening
Topics include recommended tests; testing beyond standard recommendations; pros and cons of commercial screening packages; using screening results to calculate risk for heart attack and stroke; testing for cancer risk; newborn screening and home screening options.
What to know about diagnosis
Misdiagnosis is common. Here’s how to avoid it. Symptoms and family history Details about symptoms (intensity, when they occur, what makes them better or worse) are important for diagnosis Tracking forms and apps can make it easier to record symptoms About 40% of diseases are linked to genetics, making family history important as well Sources […]
What to know about medical testing
Is your medical test appropriate? Safe? Accurate? Here’s how to check. Types of tests Medical testing usually involves one or more of the following: – Analysis of body fluids (lab tests)- Imaging (MRI, ultrasound, CT scan)- Endoscopy (using a tube to see inside the body)- Measuring body functions- Biopsy (taking a tissue sample)- Genetic testing […]
What to know about a medical condition
Googling can be hit or miss. Here’s a better approach for learning about a medical condition. Condition code, name and pronunciation To learn about a disease or condition it is important to know the specific name for the condition using medical terminology Each condition is assigned a disease classification (ICD) code; if you have a […]
Sample: What to know about medical conditions
This is a sample of content from “What to know about medical conditions”- LOG IN or SUBSCRIBE to see full content . Rare and genetic conditions Sources & more info: Rare DiseasesAAMC.org GeneticsMedlinePlus.gov GeneReviewsUniversity of Washington (eBook)