It's a good idea to keep copies of your medical records. You'll need them if you change doctors, move, get sick when you're away from home, or end up in an emergency room. If any of these things happen and you have your records, you may get treatment more quickly, and it will be safer. Here are some steps to get your...

Medical bills can be confusing and stressful. But with some basic know-how and organization, you can manage them and avoid overpaying for your health care. After you receive a health care service, you get: A medical bill from your provider. If you have no health insurance, this is the amount that you pay. If you're...

A medical power of attorney, also called a durable power of attorney for health care, is a legal document. In it, you grant another person the authority to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so. The person you choose is your health care agent (health care proxy, health care surrogate). Your agent...

An advance directive is a form. It describes the kinds of medical care you want to have if you're badly hurt or have a serious illness and can't speak for yourself. A living will (declaration) and a medical power of attorney (durable power of...

Viral load is a measurement of how much HIV is present in your blood. A sample of blood is taken and sent to a lab for testing. Results are expressed as the number of copies of the virus per milliliter of blood. Each virus is called a "copy" because HIV reproduces by making copies of itself (replicating). The viral load...

Explains labor and delivery, including planning, signs of labor, pain management, types of delivery, labor stages, labor positions, medical procedures, and what happens right after birth.

Health problems sometimes run in the family. That's why it's important to know as much as you can about the health problems of your birth family. This information can help your doctor provide better care. Start with what you know. Then ask your parents or other relatives for more information. It's a good idea to update...

Discusses basic types of advance directives. Covers living will and medical power of attorney to appoint a health care agent. Explains when and why advance directive is needed. Lists steps in preparing one.

Discusses hospice care, which includes medical, emotional, and spiritual care for people who are in the last stages of a serious illness. Guides through decision to seek hospice care. Covers how to choose a program. Covers end-of-life legal issues.

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 values and beliefs. Here are some ways to become more active and involved in...

Info on healthcare professionals with training in specific areas. Links to info on physicians and other specialty doctors. Also includes links to info on other health professionals like physician assistants. Offers tips on preparing for appointments.

A living will, also called a declaration, is a type of advance directive. It documents your wishes about end-of-life medical treatment in case you lose your ability to make decisions or communicate. A living will lists the conditions under which you would want or not want certain kinds of treatment or life-support...

My child's name is __________________________. My child's birthday is _________________. My child's doctor is __________________________. The doctor's phone number is _____________________. Age Immunization Dose Notes Date given Birth Hepatitis B (HepB) 1 of 3 2 months Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) 1 of 5...

Traveling while you are on oxygen therapy usually is possible if you plan ahead. Start by seeing your doctor several weeks to months before your travel date. Ask your doctor to: Figure out how much oxygen you will need. Complete the medical forms that are needed for travel. This may include at least one copy of your...

Once you make the decision to seek hospice care, make your search easier by using this checklist to find out about different programs. Add to it as you think of items that are important to you, and cross off those items that are not useful. Make a copy of this checklist for each program that you plan to consider. Have...

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2/neu) is a genetic protein that is in part responsible for how certain cancer cells grow, divide, and repair themselves. Some women have cells with more than the normal two copies of the gene (HER-2) that produces this protein, which results in breast cancer that grows and...

Discusses how to work with your doctor, how to prepare for different types of appointments, and what to do after appointments. Includes questions to ask about recommended tests and treatments.

Looks at forming a partnership with your doctor to manage your care. Suggests taking an active role by asking questions about treatment choices and costs, learning on your own, and prepping for office visits. Offers questions to ask when choosing a doctor.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are medicines you can buy without a doctor's prescription. This doesn't mean that OTC medicines are harmless. Like prescription medicines, OTCs can be very dangerous for children if not taken the right way. Be sure to read the package instructions on OTC medicines carefully. Talk to your...