 |  Core Concepts in Health Brief, 9/e Paul M. Insel,
Stanford University, School of Medicine
Walton T. Roth,
Stanford University, School of Medicine
Conventional and Complementary Medicine: Skills for the Health Care Consumer
Health LinksGeneral Consumer Health Information Conventional Medical Therapies and Providers Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Practitioners General Self-Care Resources Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications Dietary Supplements and Herbal Remedies Medical Tests Health Care System and Health Insurance Health Information Centers Clearinghouses for Self-Help Groups Sources of Telephone Hotline Numbers Sources of Information on Research Studies
General Consumer Health Information
| Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
(http://www.ahrq.gov)
Provides practical, evidence-based information on health care treatments and outcomes for consumers and practitioners. | | | | American Council on Science and Health
(http://www.acsh.org)
Provides consumer education materials relating to food, pharmaceuticals, lifestyle, environment, and health. | | | | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Current Health Related Hoaxes and Rumors
(http://www.cdc.gov/hoax_rumors.htm)
Includes information on false Internet and e-mail reports relating to health. | | | | Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Protection-Diet, Health, and Fitness
(http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-health.htm)
Includes online brochures about a variety of consumer health topics, including fitness equipment, generic drugs, and fraudulent health claims. | | | | Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Virtual Health
(http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/miracle/index.html)
Includes links to selected commercial health sites that provide reliable health information as well as tips for avoiding unscrupulous online marketers; consumers can also http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/fraud.htm report health fraud to the FTC online . | | | | Food and Drug Administration
(http://www.fda.gov)
Provides information on FDA consumer protection activities; helpful FDA sites include the following: | | | | Georgia Council Against Health Fraud: Healthcare Reality Check
(http://www.hcrc.org)
Scientific information on alternative and complementary medicine and on how to avoid health quackery. | | | | Healthfinder
(http://www.healthfinder.gov)
A gateway to online publications, Web sites, support and self-help groups, and agencies and organizations that produce reliable health information. | | | | Healthscope
(http://www.healthscope.org)
Presents tips for making sound health care decisions; some of the information is specific to California, but many of the general guidelines are applicable to all states. | | | | National Council for Reliable Health Information
(http://www.ncahf.org)
Provides news and information about health fraud and quackery and links to related Web sites. | | | | National Health Information Center (NHIC)
(http://www.health.gov/nhic)
Helps put consumers in touch with the organizations that are best able to provide answers to health-related questions. | | | | National Institutes of Health Consensus Program Information Center
(http://consensus.nih.gov)
Provides guidelines about evaluating and treating various medical conditions. | | | | NLM MedlinePlus
(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus)
Provides access to consumer-oriented health information on a variety of topics; the page on http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthfraud.html health fraud includes news and links to information on fraudulent health products and services. | | | | Quackwatch
(http://www.quackwatch.com)
Provides information on health fraud, quackery, and health decision making. One feature describes http://www.quackwatch.com/02ConsumerProtection/complain.html where to complain or seek help for possible health fraud or dangerous products; links to relevant agencies are provided. | | | | U.S. Consumer Gateway: Health
(http://www.consumer.gov/health.htm)
A gateway to online government publications relating to health. | | | | U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Guide to Clinical Preventive Services
(http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/texts/gcps)
A major report on the scientific basis and cost-effectiveness of interventions for many potentially preventable diseases and conditions. | | | | White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy
(http://www.whccamp.hhs.gov)
Includes recommendations on policy and legislation relating to complementary and alternative medicine. |
Conventional Medical Therapies and Providers
| American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
(http://www.aafp.org)
Provides information about specific health topics and flow-charts to aid in self-care decisions. | | | | American Academy of Periodontology
(http://www.perio.org)
Includes information about periodontal diseases and about maintaining oral health. | | | | American Board of Medical Specialties
(http://www.abms.org)
Provides most up-to-date resources on dental and oral health, based on the latest academic research. | | | | Dental Health and Bruxism Information Center
(http://www.proteethguard.com/dental-health-information-center/)
Provides information on a variety of topics relating to dental care. | | | | American Hospital Association: Patient Bill of Rights
(http://www.aha.org/resource/pbillofrights.asp)
Presents basic rights for hospital patients. | | | | American Medical Association (AMA)
(http://www.ama-assn.org)
Provides information about recent medical news, consumer health information, and links to related sites; site also includes information about physicians, including their training, licensure, and board certification. | | | | American Optometric Association
(http://www.aoanet.org)
Includes helpful eye care information for consumers. | | | | American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
(http://www.aoa-net.org)
Provides information about osteopathic medicine and practitioners and consumer-oriented information on selected health topics. | | | | American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
(http://www.apma.org)
Professional organization representing the majority of U.S. podiatrists; site includes tips for maintaining foot health and a searchable directory of podiatrists. | | | | Association of State Medical Board Executive Directors: DocFinder
(http://www.docboard.org)
Provides information about licensing from selected states. | | | | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Celebrating a Century of Success
(http://www.cdc.gov/phtn/tenachievements)
Presents information on ten great public health achievements of the twentieth century that helped Americans to live longer and healthier lives; includes vaccinations, control of infectious diseases, and safer food. | | | | Doctors for Adults
(http://www.doctorsforadults.com)
Provides information about doctors of internal medicine, their subspecialties, and common health issues that they diagnose and treat. | | | | Food and Drug Administration: From Test Tube to Patient: Improving Health Through Human D...
(http://www.fda.gov/cder/about/whatwedo/testtube.pdf)
Describes the lengthy process of developing, testing, and approving new drugs. | | | | Health Grades
(http://www.healthgrades.com)
Provides information and ratings on many U.S. physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, fertility clinics, health plans, and other health services. | | | | Hospital Select
(http://www.hospitalselect.com)
Provides basic information about many U.S. hospitals, including size, annual number of visits and surgeries, and services offered. | | | | MedlinePlus: Health Facilities
(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthfacilities.html)
Provides new and information on health facilities, including links to sites with information on choosing and using facilities. | | | | SearchPointe
(http://www.SearchPointe.com)
Offers information on many U.S. physicians, including education, training, and any disciplinary information. |
Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Practitioners
| Acupuncture.Com
(http://www.acupuncture.com)
Provides information on traditional Chinese medicine and includes a directory of state laws regarding acupuncture. | | | | Alternative Health News Online
(http://www.altmedicine.com)
Provides a selection of Web pages on complementary and alternative medicine. | | | | American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)
(http://www.medicalacupuncture.org)
Provides information about acupuncture and a searchable directory of medical doctors who have been certified by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture. | | | | American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM)
(http://www.aaom.org)
Provides referrals to certified practitioners. | | | | American Chiropractic Association
(http://amerchiro.org)
Provides information on chiropractic care, consumer tips, and a searchable directory of certified chiropractors. | | | | American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
(http://www.amtamassage.org)
Provides information on massage therapy, on certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), and a searchable directory of members. | | | | FDA Guide to Choosing Medical Treatments
(http://www.fda.gov/oashi/aids/fdaguide.html)
Provides general criteria about how to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new treatment; lists some clinical trials now underway to test alternative treatments. | | | | Georgia Council Against Health Fraud: Healthcare Reality Check
(http://www.hcrc.org)
Scientific information on alternative and complementary medicine and on how to avoid health quackery. | | | | Healthfinder: Alternative Medicine
(http://www.healthfinder.gov/altmed)
A gateway to consumer-oriented information on specific alternative therapies, sources of sound information, and tips for avoiding quackery and fraud. | | | | MedlinePlus: Alternative Medicine
(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alternativemedicine.html)
Provides new and links to information on a variety of types of complementary and alternative medicine. | | | | National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
(http://nccam.nih.gov)
Provides general information packets, answers to frequently asked questions about alternative therapies, research abstracts, and bibliographies. | | | | National Center for Homeopathy
(http://www.homeopathic.org)
Provides information about homeopathy and a directory of member practitioners. | | | | National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
(http://www.nccaom.org)
Promotes nationally recognized standards of competency and safety in acupuncture, Chinese herbology, and Oriental bodywork therapy; includes a searchable directory of certified practitioners. | | | | University of Texas Center for Alternative Medicine Research
(http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/utcam/default.htm)
Provides background information and a review of the scientific literature on selected alternative therapies used for cancer prevention and control. | | | | Whole Health MD
(http://www.wholehealthmd.com)
Includes news, recipes, a resource library, and a directory of CAM practitioners. |
General Self-Care Resources
| Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): Consumer Index
(http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer)
Provides consumer information about health care treatments, medications, prevention, and insurance; a printable http://www.ahcpr.gov/ppip/ppadult.htm guide to track personal health information, including preventive screening tests, immunizations, and health-related lifestyle behaviors, is also available at the site. | | | | American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
(http://www.aafp.org)
Provides information about specific health topics and flow-charts to aid in self-care decisions. | | | | American Association of Retired Persons (AARP): Health and Wellness
(http://www.aarp.org/indexes/health.html)
Provides consumer health information on a variety of topics, including caregiving, health insurance, and general wellness promotion. | | | | American Council on Science and Health
(http://www.acsh.org)
Provides consumer education materials relating to food, chemicals, lifestyle, environment, and health. | | | | American Hospital Association: Patient Bill of Rights
(http://www.aha.org/resource/pbillofrights.asp)
Presents basic rights for hospital patients. | | | | Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Home Medical Guide
(http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/texts/guide/all.html)
Provides the text of a popular home health guide, with chapters on promoting wellness through lifestyle. | | | | Dr. Tom's Online Self-Care Journal
(http://www.healthy.net/home/tomonline/index.html)
An online journal that examines issues relating to self-care and online health. | | | | FDA Consumer Information
(http://www.fda.gov/opacom/morecons.html)
Includes links to FDA information to help consumers make informed health decisions; http://www.fda.gov/fdac/fdachtml.html FDA Consumer magazine is another good resource. | | | | Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Protection-Diet, Health, and Fitness
(http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-health.htm)
Includes online brochures about a variety of consumer health topics, including fitness equipment, generic drugs, and fraudulent health claims. | | | | Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Virtual Health
(http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/miracle/index.html)
Includes links to selected commercial health sites that provide reliable health information as well as tips for avoiding unscrupulous online marketers; consumers can also http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/fraud.htm report health fraud to the FTC online. | | | | Health Canada: Health Communication Skills
(http://www.adulthealth.com/hppb/ahi/index.html)
Provides advice for improving patient-physician communication. | | | | Healthfinder
(http://www.healthfinder.gov)
A gateway to online publications, Web sites, support and self-help groups, and agencies and organizations that produce reliable health information. | | | | MedlinePlus
(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus)
Provides access to consumer-oriented health information on a variety of topics. | | | | Merck
(http://www.merck.com)
Includes the Health Infopark, which provides information about many common health challenges, and sections from several Merck publications, including their home health guide. | | | | National Consumers League
(http://www.nclnet.org)
Provides a variety of brochures on health-related topics, including health care and food and drug safety. | | | | National Health Information Center (NHIC)
(http://nhic-nt.health.org)
Helps put consumers in touch with the organizations that are best able to provide answers to health-related questions. | | | | National Institutes of Health Consensus Program Information Center
(http://consensus.nih.gov)
Provides guidelines about evaluating and treating various medical conditions. | | | | University of Iowa Virtual Hospital
(http://www.vh.org)
A "digital health sciences library" with information and peer-reviewed links on a variety of common health concerns. | | | | U.S. Consumer Gateway: Health
(http://www.consumer.gov/health.htm)
A gateway to online government publications relating to health. | | | | U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Guide to Clinical Preventive Services
(http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/texts/gcps)
A major report on the scientific basis and cost-effectiveness of interventions for many potentially preventable diseases and conditions. | | | | WebMD Self-Care Advisor
(http://my.webmd.com/self_care)
Includes articles from The American Institute for Preventive Medicine's Self-Care: Your Family Guide to Symptoms and How to Treat Them, including sections on acne, asthma, heartburn, insect stings, nosebleeds, and snoring. |
Health Care System and Health Insurance
| Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): Consumer Index
(http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer)
Provides consumer information and guidelines for choosing quality health care and insurance. | | | | American Accreditation HealthCare Commission/URAC
(http://www.urac.org)
Provides information and ratings about health insurance plans. | | | | American Association of Health Plans (AAHP)
(http://www.aahp.org)
An industry association that supports managed-care health plans; site includes a consumer section with information on choosing health care plans and fact sheets on specific health topics. | | | | Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century
(http://www.nationalacademies.org/webextra/chasm)
A report by the Institute of Medicine that outlines some of the problems and some of the possible solutions relating to the quality of U.S. health care. | | | | Electronic Policy Network Idea Center/Health Policy Page
(http://www.epn.org/idea/health.html)
A "virtual" magazine with articles on managed care, the uninsured, the future of Medicare, and other issues. | | | | Health Care Financing Administration
(http://www.hcfa.gov)
Provides information, statistics, and other material on http://www.medicare.gov Medicare, Medicaid, and the http://www.insurekidsnow.gov Children's Health Insurance Program. | | | | Healthfinder: Choosing Quality Care
(http://www.healthfinder.gov/smartchoices/qualitycare/default.htm)
Links to reliable online publications about choosing primary care providers, health insurance, hospitals, and medical treatments. | | | | Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations: Quality Check
(http://www.jcaho.org/qualitycheck/directry/directry.asp)
Provides information and ratings about health insurance plans. | | | | National Coalition on Health Care
(http://www.nchc.org)
An advocacy group working to improve U.S. health care. | | | | National Committee for Quality Assurance: Health Plan Report Card
(http://hprc.ncqa.org/index.asp)
Provides information and ratings about health insurance plans. | | | | New England Journal of Medicine: Health Policy 2001
(http://www.nejm.org/content/2001/0344/0009/0673a.asp)
A series of articles examining key health policy issues faced by the United States. | | | | New England Journal of Medicine: The Health Care System Revisited
(http://www.nejm.org/content/1999/0340/0001/0048a.asp)
A series of articles examining key aspects the U.S. health care system and the debate over possible changes to the current system; all articles in the series are available online: | | | | NGA Center for Best Practices: SCHIP
(http://www.nga.org/center/topics/1,1188,D_403,00.html)
This site provides information on the State Children's Health Insurance Program from the National Governor's Association. | | | | Quality Interagency Coordination Task Force: Health Quality
(http://www.consumer.gov/qualityhealth/index.html)
Provides consumer-oriented information about choosing an appropriate health care provider and plan. | | | | Washington Business Group on Health
(http://www.wbgh.com)
An organization that analyzes national health policy and related worksite issues from the perspective of large employers. | | | | World Health Organization: World Health Report 2000
(http://www.who.int/whr)
Focuses on health systems around the world and includes information on per capita health care spending around the world |
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2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education