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Excerpts

Contents

Introduction: Why You Need to Be a Smart Patient
The Smart Patient Quiz

1. Getting to Know You
Let's discover the juicy secrets about the person who controls your health: you

2. Finding Dr. Right
How to find that gem of a doctor who'll make your life easier -- and longer

3. Let's Play Operation!
You're having surgery? Use these insider tips you'll need to sail safely through the OR

4. Prescription Drugs
Take two and pray you're still here in the morning

5. How to Case a Hospital
Use an expert's eye to find the best hospital for your specific goals -- and learn why one size does not fit all

6. Have a Happily Humdrum Hospital Stay
Only $2,900 a night and free sponge baths -- what a deal! Just make sure you check out...

7. Why You Should Always Get a Second Opinion
Whose life is it, anyway?

8. Just What Gives You the Right?
You have rights, you know. Here's how to use them

9. Considering the Alternatives
On pins and needles about acupuncture and herbs?
Here's what you need to know about alternative medicine

10. Take Control of Your Health Insurance
It's your most important -- and expensive -- health resource. Are you wasting it?

Appendix 1 Glossary: Medical Jargon Explained

Appendix 2 Sample Forms: Your Health Journal,

Living Will, Power of Attorney for Health Care,

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order

Appendix 3 Resources

Acknowledgments

Index