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Finding Reliable Health Information on the Internet
Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, the patent’s advocate or loved ones, knowing how to find reliable health information is the foundation for making informed decision in health care. The diagnosis of a disease of chronic condition raises so many questions and the need for understanding. Yet there are so many website providing information, anecdotes and advice, it is often confusing and difficult to choose which ones provide reliable information.
Use this section to educate yourself on where to find reliable information and to know what questions are important to ask about your condition, your care etc.
Always consult your personal medical professional about the information you find on the internet and ask her or his opinion about how the information you find relates to your choices and your optimum course of care.
Q & A on How To Evaluate Health Information on the Internet
National Institutes of Health
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Respected Sources
Johns Hopkins Medicine – Healthy Aging
Cleveland Clinic Health Library
Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health National Institutes of Health
US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health
Medical Library Association
Dedicated to improving heath by providing links to quality health education resources.
Health News Review
A resource to help determine whether a health news story is true or states all the facts. Also addresses how to analyze studies and medical claims.
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Grillo Health Information Center
Free confidential research for your personal health questions. Receive the latest, most trustworthy medical information. Access to complementary and alternative health information, and referral to community resources.
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How to Search the web for Health Info.
by Jean Whalen Grillo Health Information Center
Tips oh how to evaluate whether a health information website is reliable.
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Buying Health Products Online
Federal Trade Commission
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Resources for government insurance questions.
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Choosing a Hospital
In some circumstances your location or your health insurance coverage may dictate that you use a certain hospital or hospital system. You can research the hospital’s ratings for safety, infection rates, accreditation status etc.
National Rankings of Best US Hospitals by Specialty
U.S. News
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Hospital Accreditation
Science Direct
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Hospital Compare
A service of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
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Choosing a Doctor
A caution on using websites or magazines that rate doctors: If you are looking for a doctor, stay away from websites that rate doctors – such as top 10 doctors or best doctors type of magazines… Their basic intent is often driven by product advertising or charging a fee to give you very little useful information about the quality of care you would receive.
Rely instead on referrals from a physician you respect. Or, go to the website of a respected hospital system. Usually, under Find a Physician or a similar section, you can read the biographies of the physicians in the care specialty you are seeking. Many physicians offers complimentary sessions where you can get a sense of whether or not that person is someone that you will feel comfortable and confident as a partner in making important care decisions.
How to Find a Good Doctor
Consumer Reports
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Asking Key Questions
When faced with the possibility of a serious illness or chronic condition diagnosis, it is always ideal to take a second person to an appointment where test results will be reviewed or possible diagnosis or changing in disease condition will likely be discussed. When we hear troubling information we tend to be overwhelmed and block out some of the information. Ask your friend or family member or your Agent to come with you and take notes for you. At a later time, you will be able to go over what you each heard the doctor say. This will help you form a list of follow up questions on anything that was not clear or that you wish to know more about.
How Doctors Think
by Jerome Groodman, MD
An informative look into how doctors are trained to think in making a medical diagnosis, what situational or social conditions influence their cognitive process, and how a patient can ask pertinent questions when a condition seems to have several possible paths to follow, etc.
Find the book at your local library or order it online
Questions Are the Answer – Your Health Depends on Good Communication
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
US Department of Health and Human Services.
Resource learn what questions to ask – before during and after an appointment. How to build your own set of questions, etc.
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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Medications
Psych Central
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Questions to Ask Before Surgery
Johns Hoplins Medicine
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Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Treatment Clinical Trials
National Cancer Institute
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Deciding About Treatments That Prolong Life
MedlinePlus US National Library of Medicine
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Second Opinions
A Patient’s Guide to Second Opinions
by Kristine Crane – US News & World Report
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Five Things You May Not Know About Second Opinions
Harvard health Newsletter
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Why You Should Consider a Second Opinion
Cleveland Clinic – Health Essentials
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Health Care Ombudsman
Most all hospitals have a person who is a Patient Advocate or Patient Ombudsman. If you believe that you are not getting the care that you need or that your care or the care of a loved one is being completely mismanaged it might be time to talk with the advocate or ombudsman to ask for assistance.
This person is not always listed in the hospital directory. If not, call the hospital’s Administration Office and ask for the name and contact information. Understand the role of an ombudsman by reading the information below.
The Role of a Health Care Ombudsman
Texas State Health Department
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Where to Find Ombudsman Care in the US.
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Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in California
The California Department of Aging
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Health Advocacy Organization for Seniors
Aging in Place – Rural Community Health Toolkit
Washington State Health Advocacy Association
The California Continuing Care Residents Association (CALCRA)
CALCRA is an organization representing more than 25,000 Californians who live in Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). It advocates on behalf of members and all CCRC residents throughout the state to ensure their quality of life and financial security.
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Justice in Aging
A national non-profit legal advocacy organization that fights senior poverty through law. Since 1972 the organization has worked for access to affordable health care and economic security for older adults with limited resources, focusing especially on populations that have traditionally lacked legal protection such as women, people of color, LGBT individuals, and people with limited English proficiency.
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The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care
Consumer Voice Clearing House -for Long Term Care Information
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care has developed the first-ever clearinghouse for long-term care information geared toward promoting effective advocacy and consumer-directed care. The Clearinghouse’s objectives are twofold: 1) Reduce the time advocates and others spend searching for credible information on a wide range of long-term care topics; and 2) establish a one-stop-shop of information on a range of long-term care issues, particularly for those who wish to advocate for consumers.
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