Medical Handbook: A Consumer Guide for Navigating the Medical System

The American healthcare system is vital, vibrant, and indispensable. However, it’s also complex, and can be difficult to navigate as an everyday consumer. How does medical insurance work? How do you learn more about the prescription your doctor recommended? How does aging and long-term care factor into your personal health plan? Medical Handbook: A Consumer Guide for Navigating the Medical System equips you with the fundamental information you need to develop a working knowledge of the American medical system. By providing information regarding many facets of healthcare, the book empowers you to make sound medical decisions that support your overall health and wellness. The book provides information regarding medical education, medical and surgical specialties, and inpatient versus outpatient care. Chapters on nutrition and exercise help you understand your role in preventive health. Additional chapters address contemporary topics in healthcare, including mental health, sexual health, the role of marijuana in medicine, and consulting the internet for medical advice. Written from the perspective of a medical physician, Medical Handbook is a concise, helpful guide for individuals who wish to better understand the American medical system.

Gregory Billy has over 25 years of experience in the medical profession. He earned his M.D. from the Penn State College of Medicine and completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Sinai Hospital-Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is a practicing physician at Penn State Sports Medicine at Penn State University, where he specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Billy also serves as a team physician at Penn State and is an associate professor in the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.