Get Active In Your Own Healthcare – It Leads to Better Health
You can improve your care or the care of a loved one by taking a more active role, learning about your options, talking to your doctor, and asking questions.
Research shows that patients who have a good relationship with their healthcare providers receive better care and are happier with the care they receive. Find the tools you need to help you do just that.
Columbus Public Health has partnered with Consumer Reports to bring you Consumer Health Choices. Consumer Reports’ Choosing Wisely campaign provides tools and resources to help you talk about your care options with your doctor so that you can get the right care at the right time.
Columbus Public Health is focused on prevention and wants to help you learn more about how to get the information you need, ask questions, and make informed choices. Included in this site are areas that relate to preventive health and public health issues. More information about the overuse of medical tests and procedures is available through Consumer Reports.
For more information on this campaign, contact [email protected]
Featured This Month
If you have chest pain or other symptoms of heart disease, an electrocardiogram (EKG) or exercise stress test can be lifesaving. The same is true if you have a history of heart disease or are at very high risk for it. But in other cases, you should think twice. Here’s why.
Tests
Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.
Cancer Tests and Treatments (ASCO)
PSA Test for Prostate Cancer (AAFP)
Drugs
Antibiotics have saved millions of lives. But in the future they might not work, because all of us — patients and doctors — are using too many antibiotics.
The materials here explain when you need antibiotics – and when you don’t.
How to keep antibiotics working
Antibiotics: 5 Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don’t
Money Saving Guides
These guides help you make better use of the money you spend on medicines.
Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.
- The big difference is that generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
- English: Generic Drugs
- Spanish: Medicamentos genéricos
- Video: El mismo medicamento por menos dinero
- There are things you can do to save money on drugs—and sometimes a lot of money.
- English: Getting the Best Price
- Spanish: Cómo obtener el mejor precio
- Video: Cómo obtener el mejor precio en medicinas
- The best way to make sure you are taking the right drugs is to review all your drugs with your doctors periodically.
- English: Managing Multiple Medicines
- Spanish: Múltiples medicamentos
- Video: Cómo manejar múltiples medicamentos
- Using your plan’s formulary will help you save money on your drugs.
- English: Medication Formularies
- Spanish: Formulario de su plan de salud:
- One in five prescriptions in the U.S. is for a use not approved by the FDA.
- English: Off-Label Drug Use
- Spanish: Usos no aprobados
- Video: Off-label prescription drugs
- Do you need help paying for prescription drugs? You may qualify for a Prescription Assistance Program (PAP).
- English: Prescription Assistance Programs
- Spanish: Programas de Asistencia para Medicamentos Recetados
- Both the label and the information sheet tell you important safety information.
- English: Reading Labels
- Spanish: Cómo leer etiquetas
- Video: Cómo leer etiquetas de su medicina
- Video: Understanding prescription drug labels
- Tell your doctor about any previous unpleasant side effects, allergies, or bad reactions.
- English: Side Effects
- Spanish: Efectos secundarios
- Video: Los efectos secundarios
- Many doctors and health authorities are advising this strategy with more and more medicines.
- English: Splitting Pills
- Spanish: División de tabletas
- Every time you get a new drug, make sure you understand why you are taking it and how to take it.
- English: Starting a New Drug
- Spanish: Cómo comenzar con un nuevo medicamento
- Video: Cómo comenzar un nuevo medicamento
- If you skip doses, take less than the full dose, or stop too soon, the drug may not work properly. Taking too much of a drug can also harm you.
- English: Taking Your Medication as Directed
- Spanish: Tome los medicamentos según las indicaciones
- Video: Tomar las medicinas según las indicaciones
Generic Drugs
Getting the Best Price
Managing Multiple Medicines
Medication Formularies
Off-Label Drug Use
Prescription Assistance Programs
Reading Labels
Side Effects
Splitting Pills
Starting a New Drug
Taking Your Medication as Directed
Procedures
Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.
Why scheduling early delivery of your baby is not a good idea
What to Reject When You’re Expecting
5 questions to ask your doctor before any treatment
Unnecessary Treatments in the Emergency Room (ACEP)
Your Health
How can you become a smarter patient — and live longer? These guidelines for high value care and better health are meant to help you be an engaged patient and understand when tests and treatments are necessary — and when they aren’t.