Blog

Recent news coverage focused on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and treatment-resistant fungi has increased awareness of the threat that these so-called superbugs represent. Currently, two million people in the U.S. contract these infections each year and 23,000 die as a result. A U.N. report describes the increase in the number and type of health problems caused by... Read More

One of the most important skills your doctor has is listening. He or she should take time to talk with you not only about symptoms you’re experiencing, but about the story behind those symptoms. But sometimes doctors are pressed for time or are used to asking their patients a series of yes or no questions.... Read More

Even if you’re the picture of health, you may see more than one doctor—a primary care physician, a gynecologist if you’re a woman, an occasional urgent care healthcare professional. And if you’re living with a chronic condition like heart disease or diabetes or have been diagnosed with a serious illness like cancer, the number of... Read More

Over the last five years, pharmacies and websites have offered an increasing number of direct-to-consumer genetic tests. These tests, which you can buy without a prescription, can provide information about a range of health issues, from how well you will respond to a certain type of antidepressant, blood thinner, or other medication and your risk... Read More

There’s a new rule that requires hospitals to list the price for all the services they provide and medications they prescribe for patients in the hospital. In theory, this should give you more information that can help you figure out what your care will cost and where it makes the most economic sense to receive... Read More

Medication errors are more common than you may think and they can have serious health consequences. One study found that preventable medication errors affect more than 7 million patients per year and account for more than 3.5 million doctor’s visits and 1 million emergency department visits. The types of errors range from the wrong dosage... Read More

Researchers have found an association between the use of birth control pills that combine estrogen and progestogen and a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. Most of those studies focused on older formulations of the pills that contained higher doses of estrogen and different forms of progestogen than newer combined hormonal contraceptive pills. A recent... Read More

Thanks to HIPAA, you have the right to get a copy of your medical records and review them. There’s a good reason to take the time to read over your records in detail. A study published in BMJ Quality and Safety found that 29% of the study participants who reviewed their doctors’ visit notes found... Read More

About one in eight Americans older than 12 reported taking antidepressants in a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. That’s an increase of 65% between 1999 and 2014, the last year data was available in the study. The study also found that long-term use of antidepressants has... Read More

When it comes to screening for cervical cancer, you may be confused by recent articles about changing screening guidelines. Because each woman’s situation and risk factors are unique, your first step should be to talk with your gynecologist. Here’s some background on the available tests and recommendations that can help you start the discussion. What... Read More