What to know about treatment options
Looking for the best treatment option? Here’s where to check and what to ask. Reasons to research options To avoid spending limited time with a doctor obtaining basic information Because treatment recommendations can vary significantly from doctor to doctor To find new treatments not yet widely adopted Sources & more info: Study finds significant variations […]
What to know about drug benefits & risks
What is the chance a drug will help you? The answer may surprise you. Generic and brand names To find information about a drug it helps to know both its generic and brand name A drug’s generic name is usually the same as its active ingredient Some drugs also have a brand name chosen by […]
What to know about medication safety
Harm from medication is a common reason for trips to emergency departments. Often this harm can be prevented. Harm from drugs Each year more than 1 in 200 people in the U.S. visit an emergency department due to harm from medications About one third of these ED visits involve non-therapeutic uses of a drug such […]
What to know about surgery
There is a lot to know about any procedure, and your assumptions may be incorrect. Use the informed consent document to confirm important details. Name, description and code To find the exact name and a description of a proposed procedure, ask the doctor’s office for the CPT code for the procedure and then enter the […]
What to know about CAM therapies
Is there proof that a complementary or alternative therapy works? Could it harm you? Here’s how to find out. Alternative, complementary & integrative health Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may be nutritional, psychological and/or physical Alternative therapy replaces standard care, while complementary therapy is used along with standard care Integrative medicine combines standard and complementary […]
What to know about medical emergencies
Emergencies happen. Will you be ready? Recognizing an emergency For emergency conditions, faster treatment usually leads to better outcomes As a result, it helps to be familiar with symptoms of an emergency, including heart attack, stroke, sepsis, blood clots and complications related to pregnancy Patients and families should also know the emergency symptoms to watch […]
What to know about hospitals
Many hospitals claim to be the best. Here’s how to take a closer look. Types of inpatient hospitals Teaching hospitals are affiliated with universities or medical schools and have more experience with unusual or complex conditions than community, or non-teaching, hospitals Most inpatient hospitals are for “acute care” or short stays; patients who need a […]
What to know about hospital hazards
Follow this 9-step guide to avoid hazards in the hospital including infections, sepsis, medication errors, falls, blood clots, bed sores, and inadequate response to complications during labor and delivery.
What to know about health insurance
Have you considered all opportunities for coverage and savings? Check these possibilities to be sure. Medicare eligibility and enrollment Medicare eligibility begins at age 65 or earlier for people with certain conditions (ALS, ESRD) or who have received social security disability income (SSDI) for 24 months Enrollment is automatic only for people already receiving social […]
What to know about healthcare consumer protection
Healthcare consumers have gained important new rights in recent years. Learn more about them here. Recent progress About 18-35% of American adults have medical debt that is in collections However, measures to extend health coverage and protect consumers (in particular the Affordable Care Act and the No Surprises Act) are making it easier to avoid […]