Health Article description.Explains liver biopsy, also called percutaneous liver biopsy, a test used to look for liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, and cancer. Covers how to prepare and what to expect. Includes what results mean. Also lists risks.

Health Article description.Discusses mammogram, an X-ray test of the breasts used to screen for breast problems. Covers at what ages women should have a mammogram. Discusses how it is done and how to prepare for it. Covers possible results.

Health Article description.Many people see more than one doctor or health professional. Your primary care doctor, such as your internist or family doctor, may refer you to another doctor for a problem. You may see a specialist for another health concern. You may need a surgeon. Having many doctors can help you get the best care, but it also can...

Health Article description.Interactive tool guides you through questions to determine what health screenings you might need to prevent or diagnose diseases. Provides links to more extensive info on early disease detection and immunizations.

Health Article description.A hysteroscopy is a procedure to find and treat problems with your uterus. It may be done to remove growths from the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps. It may also be used to diagnose and treat abnormal bleeding or fertility problems. The doctor will guide a lighted tube through the cervix and into the uterus. This...

Health Article description.A cystoscopy is a procedure that lets a doctor look inside your bladder and urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The doctor uses a thin, lighted tool called a cystoscope. With this tool, the...

Health Article description.An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) test checks the tubes (ducts) that drain the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A flexible, lighted scope ( endoscope) and X-ray pictures are used. The scope is put through the mouth and gently moved down the throat. It goes through your esophagus, stomach, and...

Health Article description.What does "high risk" mean? "High risk" means that a medicine can cause serious health problems or accidents. Some high-risk medicines include muscle relaxers, anxiety and sleep medicines, opioid pain medicines, and some over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines. They're called high-risk because they may make you feel...

Health Article description.Discusses kidney biopsy (also called percutaneous renal biopsy) done with a long, thin needle to remove a sample of kidney tissue. Covers how it may be done to check for kidney disease or after a kidney transplant. Explains how it's done, risks, and results.

Health Article description.Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a type of test that can identify specific types of genetic material (DNA) in a small sample. PCR is useful for many purposes, such as for: Finding out what type of bacteria, virus, or fungus is causing an infection. Law enforcement, to identify a person who may have committed a crime...

Health Article description.Finding the right nursing home can help you feel safe and cared for. A good first step to choosing a nursing home is to make a list of homes you might be interested in. Talk to family, friends, doctors, and others to get recommendations of good nursing homes. If you can, it's good to plan ahead so you have time to learn...

Health Article description.Some medicines can affect your heart and make your heart failure worse. Others may keep your heart failure medicines from working right. So it's important to be careful with medicines. These include NSAID pain relievers and medicines that speed up the heart rate. Over-the-counter medicines that you may need to avoid...

Health Article description.Learn about creating a legal form that describes the care you want during a mental health crisis.

Health Article description.A heart failure action plan gives you an easy way to check your symptoms and see changes. The plan also tells you when you need to get help. Your doctor may give you a plan, or you might create one together. You'll use your plan every day. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when symptoms mean you should call your...

Health Article description.Thoracentesis (say "thor-uh-sen-TEE-sis") is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This is called the pleural space. The procedure may also be called a "chest tap." It is normal to have a small amount of fluid in the pleural space. But too much fluid can build up because of...

Health Article description.Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and gains skills at their own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another,

Health Article description.Alan, 73 Read more about Alan and the lessons he's learned about diet and exercise. "I've had to work at keeping my weight under control, and that has really helped my cholesterol. When you have heart disease, you learn to eat better for the rest...

Health Article description.A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a test to help your doctor look at the inside of your heart. A small device called a transducer directs sound waves toward your heart. The sound waves make a picture of the heart's valves and chambers. Your...

Health Article description.Getting great care at a lower price is possible. Just like when you shop for food or clothes, there are things you can do to lower your health care costs. Here are some things you can do to take charge of your health and lower your health care costs.