Health Article description.A patient advocate helps people with health problems deal with the health care system. This includes working with doctors, nurses, insurance companies, employers, case managers, lawyers, and others. A patient advocate helps solve problems with health care, medical bills, and job discrimination related to a medical...
Health Article description.Doctors are experts on medical care. But you are the expert on yourself and your life. That's why it's important to be an active patient. When you're actively involved in decisions about your care, you can be sure that your choices reflect your...
Advanced medical science improves patient outcomes. We urge lawmakers to continue providing full support for research funding and the agencies that lead research.
Pharmaceutical marketing hurts patient care and drives up costs. At Kaiser Permanente we have a better approach to prescribing and lessons for other leaders.
Health Article description.What are patient rights? As a person receiving health care, you have certain rights. Federal laws protect some of those rights, like the right to see your medical records and keep them private. Many states also have laws protecting your rights. Hospitals and other health care facilities often have a "bill of rights" for...
How does health insurance work? Learn about plan types, what’s covered, and costs like premiums, deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — plus how to choose one.
Health Article description.Pain medicine works better when the pain first starts, before it gets too bad. A patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump lets you give yourself pain medicine when you need it. This gives you more control of your pain relief. The PCA pump contains your pain medicine. Usually that medicine is morphine, but other pain...
Health Article description.Hospitals can be big, confusing places, especially if you've never been a patient in one before. But by taking the time to learn about how hospitals work and what you can expect, you may be able to lower your stress and concentrate on what's important: feeling better.
Health Article description.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued advisories to patients, families, and health professionals to closely watch for warning signs of suicidal behavior in children and adults younger than 25 who take antidepressants. The FDA also...
Health Article description.Use this form for any tests your doctor recommends, such as blood tests, urine tests, or X-rays. General questions What is the name of the test? Why do I need this test? What might happen if the test is delayed or not done? How accurate is the test? Are there other tests that are more accurate? How much does the test...
When clinicians can practice across state lines, more people can get the care they need. We urge policymakers to support interstate licensure compacts.
Health Article description.Provides links that give tips, like making the most of your appointment and getting better care at lower costs. Also includes links on understanding lab results and deciding whether to get a flu vaccine.
Health Article description.Provides links to how-to information on special health concerns of seniors. Includes healthy aging, sexuality, hearing loss, osteoporosis, and walking for fitness. Also covers writing an advance directive.
Health Article description.Provides links to info on pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Offers interactive tool to calculate your due date. Also links to interactive tool that shows how an embryo grows into a baby.
Health Article description.Provides links to info on cancer. Topics covered include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and cancer pain. Links to info that can help you make a decision on diagnostic or screening tests. Includes info on treatment choices.