YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment

by Michael F. Roizen, Mehmet C. Oz

Everyone needs to become a smart patient. In fact, in the worst cases, your life may even depend on it. Number one bestselling authors and doctors Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz have written this indispensable handbook to help everyone to get the best health care possible -- by making everyone into their own medical detective.

Witty, playful, at times offbeat, but always authoritative, You: The Smart Patient shows you how to become your own medical sleuth, tracing your medical family tree and wending your way through the pitfalls of any health care situation. Written in conjunction with the health care community's leading oversight group, The Joint Commission, the book shows readers in clear, easy steps how to take control of their own health care and deal with all matters that may come up when facing a medical case: from choosing the right doctor, hospital, and insurance company to navigating prescription drugs, specialists, treatment options, alternative medicine, pain management, or any problem that might arise.

Accessible, humorous, and filled with information that you need, You: The Smart Patient is a book for every patient and all those dealing with a loved one's medical issues.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Self Help, Reference, Medical, Science, Education

412 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Michael F. Roizen, MD

Reviews

[Mary Maybee]

Lots of good info. Written to help us understand the medical field. Very helpful book

[Indira]

Ha! Finally! Felt like it took forever to read. This is a surprisingly useful book. I had dismissed it as something that wouldnt be applicable to me at all, but I took lessons and advice away from actually every chapter. I realized that I dont have a comprehensive record of my tests done, or have a 'Health advocate" etc, and some topics have inspired me to do a bit more research over here, such as Organ donation. A good and useful read, and contemplation of your own mortality isnt so bad when you read this book LOL

[Amy]

I learned that I am in charge of my own healthcare. Doctors are the resources at my fingertips and there are times when I know more than they do. I am on the one with the most interest in my health and therefore am best equipped to be at the helm. Don't be scared to control your next doctors appointment. Have the questions you want answered already thought out before your next visit so that you do not get sidetracked or rushed.

[Katey]

To be fair, I've only read the chapter on alternative medicine in its entirety. I skimmed the rest of the book though, and it seems to be a practical beginner's guide to modern healthcare. Although by its publishing date, I'm sure a lot of the data is inaccurate now, but it does list a lot of other references/websites.

The chapter on alternative medicine is succinct and to the point. There isn't a lot of information, but it's honest in its brevity.

[Lindsey Benage]

Would be a good read for a new patient but, for me didn't offer a ton of new knowledge that I haven't already learned through 30 years with chronic illnesses. I do however rate it with 3 stars because the information is good information for someone who might be new to the medical ways.

Favorite Quotes:

"...never sit on cloth chairs in the ER or doctor's office, they are full of germs and can't be sanitized like plastic chairs can be. Always choose a plastic chair."

[Judy]

This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in his/her health. It is also a must-read for caregivers. A nurse highly recommended it to me when my mother was a cancer patient this summer. Although my mother lost the battle with this dreaded disease, I became a better caregiver to her and am now a smarter patient because of this book.

[Julia]

I'm so bored of this book. I wouldn't say it's horrible or anything but I can't find the motivation to get back into it. I only read like the first 2 chapters. I'm creating a new shelf just for this kind of thing.

[Christina]

This book has some great information on how to track your health and what family history is important. I do think that this book is geared towards people with existing health issues and there is a lot of material on how to select a specialist.

[Kathryn]

Found lots of helpful information to help me make it through the next few health issues alive and better off than I was before. I must read for anything who wants to plan an active roll in their health care. I will be passing this book along to a friend to read.

[Rebecca]

It had some neat little tips, but lots of the info was written for Americans and not as applicable to me as a Canadian.

I did like the suggestion to write out a thorough medical history for yourself and bring copies to all new doctors.

[Lancelot]

It's very biased to the US but the info contained within is good. Can serve as a good reference and put htings in perspective. Stimulate thoughts and helps one plot a path to being a smart patient indeed.

[Rachel]

Everyone should read this. People would be much more likely to recieve quality health care and less health care overall if they would read this and then do the things outlined to prepare and protect ones own health.

[Cathy]

Good info, but pretty basic if you have any medical knowledge.

[TC]

This is a Must Read book! It addresses your personal health in a way few other books do and tells you how to get the most out of your healthcare!

[Marci]

lots of good information in an easy to read format.

[Barbara]

I started reading this as a follow on to YOU: The Owner's Manual, but have never managed to finish it.

[Jan Kendrick]

Look for my name and my design work in this book!

[Dannie]

There were some good suggestions, but it is not very specific in how to work the system. "Ask a unit nurse for recommendations" is good advice, but it doesn't tell you how to get in contact with one.

[Rose]

601.69 Roi

[Jung]

Oh the random stuff I read.

[Mkrone]

Really worth a read. I learned a lot.

[زينب]

What did I gain from this book? Pretty much n othing
and there sence of humour was =_=

[Hom Sack]

A quick, light and breezy read. Full of useful information. Even more useful is to implement the advice offered.