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How to Research
Researching your diagnosis and
treatment options will empower you in all your medical
decision-making. The following approach works well for information gathering.
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1. |
Get Organized
You will need some sort of binder or filing
system to keep track of all the information
you acquire. One way to keep your
findings organized is to use the charts
we've developed. Link
here to download the chart.
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2. |
Doctors and Medical
Professionals
Your physician and other professionals
should be your primary source of
information, but not your only source of
information. Find one who will be willing to
partner with you in your search for
information.
Learn more about
working with professionals here. |
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3. |
Second Opinions
When your primary doctor suggests
that surgery,
difficult drugs, or any other difficult
treatment is the best option for you, then
it's time to get a second opinion.
Learn more about second opinions here. |
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4. |
Your Medical Records
You have the
legal right to acquire all medical records
produced on your behalf. Laws vary
state-to-state, but in general, you must
obtain these records through your primary
physician (the person directing your tests
and treatment.) Contact your primary
physician and ask for copies of all your
records: notes, test results,
pathology, others.
For assistance will
reading medical reports, link here.
Should you have
trouble obtaining these records because
someone tells you it will violate HIPAA
(pronounced "hippa") policies,
then you can learn about your rights here.
If you feel you are within your rights for
obtaining information, print the flyers they
have made available and take them to the
person who is in charge of providing records
to you. |
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5. |
Non-Medical Professionals
There is a
large group of other professionals, some
health-related, who may be able to help you.
Learn more on
our Professionals page. |
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6. |
The Internet
You'll find a wealth of information on the
internet. Not all the information is
credible, however, and all your findings
should be confirmed with your physician(s).
One of the biggest benefits of the internet
is that new information can be found
everyday. Further, you will find
access to
others who share your diagnosis, and a
way to get
updated
news every day.
Sometimes the
internet will lead you to articles available
only to subscribers, often doctors only, and
the articles will be very expensive to
purchase. Check with your primary
physician to see if s/he has a subscription
and will be willing to provide you with a
copy of the article.
 Or
check with your local library by taking all
the publication information you have (title,
pub, author, dates, etc.) They may be
able to find a branch in their system that
can obtain the article you seek at little or
no cost. |
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Media, Books and Articles
Your local
library, bookstores, newspapers, health
channels on TV, and other media may help you
find information.
News can be emailed
to you on a daily basis through
Google,
Yahoo,
MSN and others. |
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8. |
Networking
Other people can be a very important source
of information. Ask everyone you know
if they know others who have the same
condition or disease. Ask to be referred,
even to people you don't know, if you think
they have information that can be beneficial
to you. You never know who knows
exactly the right person who can help you. |
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9. |
Participate in Support
Groups
Support groups
comprised of other patients who share your
diagnosis, and their friends and loved ones,
can be a lifeline. Check your phone
book, online, local
newspapers, and your library to find groups
that can help you. |
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10. |
Help
Others
Nothing
reinforces learning like teaching someone
else. So it is true with health and
knowledge empowerment. By helping
others, you will learn to deal better with
your own situation. You can start by
providing feedback to
diagKNOWsis.
Your feedback will help others who find this
website. |
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