Taking Charge of Your Medical Fate

A veteran physician-internist and medical consultant offers professional guidance in obtaining, through active investigation and review, adequate medical care and specifies questions to ask about all phases of medical care

This expose and guidebook, credited by Edward Kennedy for having saved his son's life, explores the wide variegation in quality of our health care and prescribes methods to secure the best. Drawing from extended inspections of medical facilities across the country, Horowitz, former staff director of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Health, specifies what to look for in choosing a physician, surgeon or specialist as to skills, record, clinical judgment and university affiliations, and how to assess hospitals. Above all, Horowitz urges patients to ask questions, and to switch doctors if not given answers or allowed to make decisions after review of options. He maintains the patient should assume a major role in deciding the need for and type of treatment, especially in life-threatening conditions and in some cases urges consultation, even by phone, with experts or clinical researchers in the area of the particular disease. The author concludes with a discussion of AIDS and appendices listing hospital mortality rates, research and medical resources, along with cancer therapy options. 40,000 first printing; first serial to McCalls and Woman's Day; author tour.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This important book presents an eye-opening look at what we, as individuals, are entitled to from the health care system and need for one's own involvement in decision-making. The author, who was staff director of the Senate Subcommittee on Health and chief of staff under Senator Edward Kennedy, presents clearly, and factually, the approach an individual must follow and the decisions necessary to receive the best medical care available. Among topics discussed are: how to choose your doctor and what questions to ask while being examined; the importance of the medical lab performing the tests; the variation of quality between hospitals and regions. For academic and public libraries. Erna Chamberlain, SUNY at Binghamton Lib.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.