From Consumer Reports and the Choosing Wisely campaign
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For more resources for employees, visit Making Healthy Choices.
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Caring for Others: Tips to Help You and Your Loved Ones
When caring for someone, it’s important to build a relationship with his or her doctor.
Choosing Wisely: New Resources and New Information for Your Health
The Choosing Wisely campaign is a national effort to promote discussions between patients and physicians.
Four Things that Would Surprise You About Health Care
These four facts about your health and the care you receive may surprise you.
Getting the Most Out of Your Preventive Care
Getting the most out of preventive care is about knowing what tests and screenings are right for your age.
More Equals Better? Not When it Comes to Your Health
Patients who receive the most aggressive medical care don’t necessarily live longer or enjoy a better quality of life.
New Resources for You and Your Family’s Health
It’s important to be prepared with the right information before you talk with your doctor.
Three Health Care Treatments You May Not Need
Specialty societies have created lists of tests and treatments they say are performed too often and are not always necessary. Here are three from those lists.
Three Reasons to Take a Notepad to Your Next Doctor Visit
Here are three reasons why you should take a notepad to your next office visit.
Tip sheets from Consumer Reports
Asking Questions About Imaging Tests
You should question some uses of imaging tests, because sometimes they’re not needed.
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- English: Asking Questions About Imaging Tests
Asking Questions About Medical Tests
What sorts of questions should you ask when your doctor orders a test?
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- English: Asking Questions About Medical Tests
Building Healthy Habits
There are always things you can change in your day-to-day life that can help alleviate your ailments.
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- English: Building Healthy Habits
Communicating With Your Doctor
Here are some pointers for improved doctor-patient communication.
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- English: Communicating With Your Doctor
Coping With Serious Illness
For people with serious long-term illnesses, navigating the health-care system can be daunting.
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- English: Coping With Serious Illness
Doctor-Patient Relationships
One big step toward improving the doctor-patient relationship: understanding where your doctor’s coming from.
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- English: Doctor-Patient Relationships
Preventive Care
Make sure you’re up-to-date on the preventive services you need.
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- English: Preventive Care
Ten Ways to Reduce Your Drug Costs
The first step in reducing your drug costs is to enlist your doctor in the effort.
- English: Ten Ways to Reduce Your Drug Costs
Tests and Treatments
From the Choosing Wisely campaign
Advice for Caregivers: Treatments and Tests for Seniors
Some tests and treatments won’t help older adults. They may even be harmful, especially near the end of life.
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- Plain English: Advice for Caregivers: Treatments and Tests for Seniors
- Spanish: Consejos para los cuidadores
Allergy Tests (AAAAI)
If you don’t have symptoms or a medical evaluation that points to allergy, think twice about skin or blood tests.
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- Plain English: Allergy Tests
- Spanish: Pruebas para Alergias
Alzheimer’s Disease Testing (SNMMI)
If you’re having memory problems, your doctor should look for other causes before ordering a brain scan.
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- Plain English: Alzheimer’s Disease Testing (SNMMI)
- Spanish: Pruebas para la enfermedad de Alzheimer
Antibiotic Treatment in the Hospital (SHEA)
The CDC is urging hospitals to cut back on the use of antibiotics when they are not needed. Here’s what you should know.
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- Plain English: Antibiotic Treatment in the Hospital (SHEA)
- Spanish: Tratamiento antibiótico en el hospital
Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children (AAFP)
In most cases of middle ear infection, antibiotics are not needed. Here’s what to do instead.
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- Plain English: Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children (AAFP)
- Spanish: Antibióticos para infecciones del oído en niños
Antibiotics for People With Catheters (AUA)
Almost all people who have catheters have some bacteria in their urine. But that doesn’t mean they all need antibiotics.
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- Plain English: Antibiotics for People With Catheters (AUA)
- Spanish: Antibióticos para personas con sondas
Antibiotics for Pink Eye (AAO)
Antibiotic eye drops or ointments don’t usually help with conjunctivitis. In fact, they can do more harm than good.
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- Plain English: Antibiotics for Pink Eye (AAO)
- Spanish: Antibióticos para la conjuntivitis
Antibiotics for Respiratory Illness in Adults (IDSA)
Antibiotics don’t help most respiratory infections. Here’s when you need antibiotics, and when you don’t.
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- Plain English: Antibiotics for Respiratory Illness in Adults
- Lower Literacy: Can Antibiotics Help You Feel Better?
- Spanish: Resfriados, influenza y otras enfermedades respiratorias en adultos
- Lower Literacy Spanish: ¿Pueden los antibióticos ayudarte a sentirte mejor?
Antibiotics for Respiratory Illness in Children (AAP)
Most of the time, children don’t need antibiotics for sore throat, cough or runny nose.
Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS)
Many older people get antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections when they don’t need it.
Antibiotics for Your Skin (AAD)
Some skin problems don’t stem from infections at all. So treating them with antibiotics can do more harm than good.
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- Plain English: Antibiotics For Your Skin
- Plain English: Antibiotics For Your Skin (for printer)
- Spanish: Antibióticos para la piel
- Spanish: Antibióticos para la piel (for printer)
Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don’t
When and how to use antibiotics to help you and your loved ones avoid drug resistance.
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- Plain English: Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don’t
- Spanish: Antibióticos: Cuándo se necesitan y cuándo no
Antibiotics: Will They Help You or Hurt You?
Do you really need antibiotics? They can help you. But they also can harm you.
Antipsychotic Drugs for People with Dementia (AGS)
Powerful antipsychotic drugs should not be the first choice for people with dementia. Here’s why.
Artery and Vein Problems (SVS)
Vascular surgeons have listed four overused operations that are intended to treat vein and artery problems. If your doctor orders one of these, you should ask why.
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- Plain English: Artery and Vein Problems
- Spanish: Problemas de las arterias y las venas
Ask Your Doctor: Do I Need This Cancer Test or Treatment? (ASCO)
You may not need some common forms of imaging, screening tests, monitoring and drug therapy for cancer.
Avoid Opioids for Most Long-Term Pain
In this guide you can read what the experts say about using opioids.
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- Plain English: Avoid Opioids for Most Long-Term Pain
- Plain English: Avoid Opioids for Most Long-Term Pain (for printer)
- Lower Literacy: Avoid Opioids for Most Long-Term Pain
- Spanish: Evite los opioides contra casi todos los dolores de larga duración
- Spanish: Evite los opioides contra casi todos los dolores de larga duración (for printer)
Back Pain Tests and Treatments (AAPM&R)
Some tests and treatments for back pain may not be right for you. That’s why it is important to talk to your doctor.
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- Plain English: Back Pain Tests and Treatments (AAPM&R;)
- Spanish: Pruebas y tratamientos para el dolor de espalda
Bed Rest for Lower-Back Pain (NASS)
Studies show that staying in bed longer than 48 hours won’t help with lower-back pain.
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- Plain English: Bed Rest for Lower-Back Pain (NASS)
- Spanish: Tratamiento del dolor en la parte baja de la espalda
Blood Tests for Miscarriage Risk (SMFM)
Blood tests for thrombophilia often are not needed, even if you have had a pregnancy problem.
Blood Tests in the Hospital (SHM)
In the hospital, if your blood test results stay the same after a day or two, you may not need them again.
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- Plain English: Blood Tests in the Hospital (SHM)
- Spanish: Pruebas de sangre cuando usted está en el hospital
Blood Transfusions for Anemia in the Hospital (ASH)
Anemia is usually not urgent. Usually you don’t need a lot of blood. Or you may not need any blood at all.
Bone-Density Tests (AAFP)
If you’re not at higher risk for weak bones, you should think twice about the bone-density test. Here’s why.
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- Plain English: Bone-Density Tests
- Lower Literacy: Bone-Density Tests
- Spanish: Pruebas de Densidad de los Huesos
- Lower Literacy Spanish: Realízate una densitometría ósea, pero solo si la necesitas
Brain Scans for Head Injuries (AMSSM)
Brain scans are usually not helpful for a concussion.
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- Plain English: Brain Scans for Head Injuries
- Spanish: Las tomografías del cerebro para las lesiones de la cabeza
Breast Biopsy (CoC)
In contrast with surgical or “open” biopsy, a needle biopsy is easier on the body.
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- Plain English: Breast Biopsy
- Spanish: Biopsia del seno
Cancer Tests and Treatments (ASCO)
Some tests, treatments, and procedures are not only unnecessary, they can even prove harmful.
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- English: Cancer Tests and Treatments (ASCO)
Cardiac Imaging Stress Tests (ASNC)
In some cases, especially in healthy people without chest pain, you should be cautious about the tests.
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- Plain English: Cardiac Imaging Stress Tests
- Spanish: Pruebas de esfuerzo con imágenes
Care at the End of Life for Advanced Cancer Patients (ASCO)
Although it is hard to accept, the best thing for you may be to stop treatment for the cancer.
Carotid Artery Surgery (AAN)
Having some blockage in a carotid artery doesn’t automatically mean you should have artery-clearing surgery.
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- Plain English: Carotid Artery Surgery
- Spanish: Cirugía de la arteria carótida
Cervical Cancer Screening (ASCCP)
Young women with an abnormal Pap test don’t always need to be treated right away.
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- Plain English: Cervical Cancer Screening
- Spanish: Prueba de detección de cáncer cervical
Chest X-rays Before Surgery (ACR)
If you don’t have signs or symptoms of heart or lung disease, think twice about having a pre-operative X-ray.
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- Plain English: Chest X-rays Before Surgery
- Spanish: Radiografía del tórax antes de una cirugía
- Video: Do You Need a Chest X-ray Before Surgery?
Chiropractic Spinal Care for Lower-Back Pain (ACA)
Most people with lower-back pain won’t need these: imaging tests; regular use of lumbar supports; or passive physical therapies.
Cholesterol Drugs for People Over 75 (AMDA)
If you are age 75 or older and you haven’t had symptoms of heart disease, statins may be a bad idea.
Choosing Wisely: Antibiotics (Video)
Antibiotics can help with some infections, but they’re not right for every situation.
Clogged Neck Arteries (AAFP)
Do you need a screening test for clogged neck arteries?
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- Plain English: Clogged Neck Arteries (AAFP)
- Spanish: Arterias del cuello obstruidas
CMR Tests for Chest Pain and Cardiac Screening (SCMR)
CMR is an imaging test for heart disease. But it may not be the best test for you.
Colonoscopy (AGA)
Even a very good test can be done too often.
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- Plain English: Colonoscopy
- Spanish: Colonoscopía
CT Scans for Children With Head Injuries (AAP)
For children with head injuries, a CT scan often is not needed.
CT Scans in the Emergency Department (ACEP)
They may not be needed as often as you think.
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- Plain English: CT Scans in the Emergency Department
- Plain English: CT Scans in the Emergency Department (for printer)
- Spanish: CT scans en el departamento de emergencias
- Spanish: CT scans en el departamento de emergencias (for printer)
CT Scans to Find Lung Cancer in Smokers (CHEST/ATS)
The CT scan, used to look for early signs of lung cancer, is not useful for many smokers.
Dental Fillings That Contain Mercury (ACMT, AACT)
It’s not necessary to replace fillings that contain mercury.
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- Plain English: Dental Fillings That Contain Mercury
- Spanish: Empastes dentales que contienen mercurio
Diabetes Tests and Treatments
If you have diabetes, when do you need to test your own glucose levels, and when do you need to take medication?
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- Plain English: Diabetes Tests and Treatments
- Plain English: Diabetes Tests and Treatments (for printer)
- Spanish: Pruebas y tratamientos para la diabetes
- Spanish: Pruebas y tratamientos para la diabetes (for printer)
Dietary Supplements to Prevent Heart Disease or Cancer (ACPM)
Research shows that most people don’t benefit from taking supplements to prevent heart disease or cancer.
Do You Need a CT Scan for a Head Injury? (ACEP)
A health history and physical exam can help the doctor decide if you need a Computerized Tomography (CT) scan.
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- Plain English: Do You Need a CT Scan for a Head Injury?
- Plain English: Do You Need a CT Scan for a Head Injury? (for printer)
- Spanish: ¿Necesita una tomografía computarizada (CT scan) por una lesión en la cabeza?
- Spanish: ¿Necesita una tomografía computarizada (CT scan) por una lesión en la cabeza? (for printer)
Drugs for Migraine Headaches (AAN)
Think twice about treating migraine attacks with opioids or butalbital.
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- Plain English: Drugs for Migraine Headaches
- Spanish: Tratamiento de migrañas
Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ACR)
The older, “non-biologic” drugs are a better first choice for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
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- Plain English: Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Spanish: Cómo tratar la artritis reumatoide
Drugs to Prevent Infection During Chemotherapy (ASCO)
When do you need CSFs? When don’t you need them?
Early Delivery (ACOG, AAFP)
To hurry a baby’s birth can increase the risk of serious problems for both you and your baby.
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- Plain English: Early Delivery (ACOG, AAFP)
- Spanish: Al dar a luz a su bebé
Echocardiogram Before Surgery (ASE)
If you’re having surgery, you may wonder if you need an echocardiogram first.
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- Plain English: Echocardiogram Before Surgery (ASE)
- Spanish: Un ecocardiograma antes de una cirugía
Echocardiography After Valve Surgery (STS)
Sometimes the echocardiogram imaging test is done very soon after heart valve surgery, while you are still in the hospital. Usually that’s not useful.
Echocardiography for Heart Valve Disease (ACC)
When do you need an echocardiogram?
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- Plain English: Echocardiography for Heart Valve Disease
- Spanish: Ecocardiografía para valvulopatías cardíacas
EKGs and Exercise Stress Tests (AAFP)
EKGs or exercise stress tests usually aren’t necessary for people without symptoms.
Feeding Tubes for People With Alzheimer’s (AGS, AAHPM)
Feeding tubes sometimes do more harm than good. Here’s why.
Five Physical Therapy Treatments You Probably Don’t Need (APTA)
Five common physical therapy treatments can lead to harm, more tests, and greater costs.
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- Plain English: Five Physical Therapy Treatments You Probably Don’t Need (APTA)
- Spanish: Terapia Física
Getting the Right Care to Keep Your Children Healthy
Parents have more choices than ever about medical tests and treatments for their kids. But which ones are right for your child—and which ones might do more harm than good?
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- Plain English: Getting the Right Care to Keep Your Children Healthy
- Plain English: Getting the Right Care to Keep Your Children Healthy (for printer)
- Spanish: Cómo recibir la atención adecuada para que sus hijos se mantengan sanos
- Spanish: Cómo recibir la atención adecuada para que sus hijos se mantengan sanos (for printer)
Getting the Right Care to Stay Healthy as You Age
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common tests and treatments for older adults. It’s based on advice from medical experts and Consumer Reports.
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- Plain English: Getting the Right Care to Stay Healthy as You Age
- Plain English: Getting the Right Care to Stay Healthy as You Age (for printer)
- Spanish: Cómo tener los cuidados adecuados para mantenerse saludable conforme envejece
- Spanish: Cómo tener los cuidados adecuados para mantenerse saludable conforme envejece (for printer)
Health Checkups (SGIM)
You probably don’t need that yearly checkup. In fact, it can do more harm than good.
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- Plain English: Health Checkups (SGIM)
- Spanish: Exámenes médicos
Heart Imaging Before Surgery (ACC)
If you’re having surgery, you may wonder if you need a heart imaging test first to make sure it is safe.
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- Plain English: Heart Imaging Before Surgery
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes del corazón antes de una cirugía
Heart Imaging Tests Before Surgery (ASNC)
If you don’t have heart problems, you probably don’t need a heart test before an operation.
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- Plain English: Heart Imaging Tests Before Surgery
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes del corazón antes de una cirugía
Heart Stress Tests Before Chest Surgery (STS)
Stress tests usually aren’t helpful if you don’t have heart problems.
HIV: When You Need CD4 Tests (HIVMA)
If your treatment for HIV is working well, you usually need the CD4 count less often, if at all. Here’s why.
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- Plain English: HIV: When You Need CD4 Tests
- Spanish: Virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV)
Home Apnea Monitors for SIDs (AAP)
Home apnea monitors give little or no protection from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
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- Plain English: Home apnea monitors for SIDs (AAP)
- Spanish: Monitores caseros para la apnea para el SIDS
Home Oxygen After a Hospital Stay (CHEST/ATS)
Many people who use long-term home oxygen therapy don’t need it.
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- Plain English: Home Oxygen After a Hospital Stay (CHEST/ATS)
- Spanish: Oxígeno en casa después de una estadía en el hospital
Hospital Hazards (AAN)
The American Academy of Nursing has identified four hospital practices that are usually unnecessary and may harm you.
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- Plain English: Hospital Hazards (AAN)
- Spanish: Peligros en el hospital
Imaging and Blood Tests in Early Breast Cancer (ASCO)
When do cancer experts recommend imaging tests and tumor marker tests?
Imaging for Hearing Problems (AAO-HNSF)
For tinnitus or sudden hearing loss, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs can be unnecessary, costly, or even harmful.
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- Plain English: Imaging for Hearing Problems
- Spanish: Problemas auditivos
Imaging Tests After a Heart Procedure (ACC)
If you’ve had bypass surgery or a stent inserted to open a blocked artery, do you need regular imaging tests?
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- Plain English: Imaging Tests After a Heart Procedure (ACC)
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes después de un procedimiento cardíaco
Imaging Tests for Back Pain (AAFP)
It seems like getting an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to find the cause would be a good idea.
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- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Back Pain
- Lower Literacy: Imaging Tests for Back Pain
- Spanish: Pruebas radiológicas debido a dolor en la parte baja de la espalda
- Lower Literacy Spanish: ¿Tienes dolor en la espalda baja?
Imaging Tests for Colorectal Cancer (SSO)
Imaging tests for colorectal cancer use radiation, may be costly, and may not change how you are treated. Your doctor should only order tests if they are needed.
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- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Colorectal Cancer
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes para el cáncer colorrectal
Imaging Tests for Early Prostate Cancer (ASCO)
It’s not always a good idea to get all the tests that are available. You may not need them.
Imaging Tests for Headaches (ACR)
Many with severe headaches want a CT scan or MRI to see if they have a tumor or other serious problem.
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- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Headaches (ACR)
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes para dolores de cabeza
Imaging Tests for Heart Disease (ACC)
If you are a healthy person without symptoms, you should think twice about having these tests.
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- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Heart Disease
- Spanish: Pruebas de Imágenes para la enfermedad cardíaca
Imaging Tests for Lower-Back Pain (NASS)
You may think you need an X-ray, MRI or CT scan to find out what is causing your back pain. But these imaging tests usually don’t help.
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- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Lower-Back Pain
- Spanish: Pruebas radiológicas debido a dolor en la parte baja de la espalda
Imaging Tests for Melanoma (SSO)
Imaging tests usually don’t help if you have early-stage skin cancer. Here’s why.
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- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Melanoma
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes para el melanoma
Imaging Tests for Ovarian Cysts (ACR)
Repetitive ultrasound exams may not be necessary.
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- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Ovarian Cysts
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes para quistes ováricos
Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy (AAAAI)
Some people receive the treatment even though they don’t need it.
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- Plain English: Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy
- Spanish: Terapia de reemplazo de IgG
Implanted Heart Devices at the End of Life (AAHPM)
An ICD helps the heart beat normally. But if you are near death, those shocks can make things worse.
Kidney Disease (ASN)
Here are four important tests and treatments you should carefully discuss with your family and doctor
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- Plain English: Kidney Disease (ASN)
- Spanish: Enfermedad Renal Crónica
Lab Tests Before Surgery (ASCP)
Most healthy people don’t need blood or urine tests done before surgery, especially low-risk surgery. Here’s why.
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- Plain English: Lab Tests Before Surgery (ASCP)
- Spanish: Pruebas de laboratorio antes de una cirugía
Lyme Disease Tests (ACR)
There are two blood tests for Lyme disease, but usually you don’t need them. Here’s why.
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- Plain English: Lyme Disease Tests (ACR)
- Spanish: Pruebas para la Enfermedad de Lyme
Making Smart Decisions About Genetic Testing (ACMG)
Sometimes a genetic test is not the best way to find an inherited condition or disease risk.
Managing Side Effects of Cancer and its Treatments (AAN)
Some methods used to manage symptoms and side effects do not work. And some proven methods are often overlooked.
Medical Tests Before Eye Surgery (AAO)
Most people don’t need to have their blood tested or their heart checked before they have eye surgery. Here’s why.
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- Plain English: Medical Tests Before Eye Surgery
- Lower Literacy: Medical Tests Before Eye Surgery
- Spanish: Pruebas médicas antes de una cirugía de ojo
- Lower Literacy Spanish: Hazte exámenes médicos antes de una cirugía de ojos, pero solo si lo necesitas
Medical Tests Before Surgery
Often, pre-operative tests are not necessary. It is not a good idea to get them just because you’re having surgery.
Medicines to Relieve Chronic Pain (ASA)
Opioids (narcotics) usually are not the best way to treat long-term pain like arthritis, back pain or headaches.
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- Plain English: Medicines to Relieve Chronic Pain (ASA)
- Spanish: Medicinas para aliviar el dolor crónico
Medicines to Treat Cancer (ASCO)
Drugs used to treat cancer can also cause harm, and some are very expensive. Here’s what to discuss with your doctor.
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- Plain English: Medicines to Treat Cancer (ASCO)
- Spanish: Medicinas para tratar el cáncer
Monitoring Your Baby’s Heartbeat During Labor (AAN)
During labor and birth, the type of fetal heart rate monitoring called IA, for intermittent auscultation, is often the better choice.
Neck and Back Pain: When You Need Tests (AANEM)
If the symptoms are severe or continue for a while, you may need an electrodiagnostic test.
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- Plain English: Neck and Back Pain: When You Need Tests (AANEM)
- Spanish: Dolor de cuello y espalda
Oral Antibiotics for Ear Infections (AAO-HNSF)
Sometimes antibiotic eardrops are safer and more effective than oral antibiotics.
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- Plain English: Oral Antibiotics for Ear Infections (AAO-HNSF)
- Spanish: Antibióticos orales para las infecciones del oído
Overactive Bladder and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (AUGS)
Here’s what women should know about tests and treatments for these conditions.
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- Plain English: Overactive Bladder and Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Spanish: Vejiga hiperactiva y prolapso de órganos pélvicos
Painkiller Choices With Kidney or Heart Problems (ASN)
If you suffer from high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease, steer clear of some pain relievers.
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- Plain English: Painkiller Choices With Kidney or Heart Problems (ASN)
- Spanish: Medicinas para el dolor
Palliative Care (AAHPM)
With palliative care, you can get physical, emotional, and spiritual support at any stage of a serious illness.
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- Plain English: Palliative Care (AAHPM)
- Spanish: Cuidados Paliativos
Pap Tests (AAFP)
Many teenage girls and some women have the test when they don’t need it. Here’s why.
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- Plain English: Pap Tests
- Lower Literacy: Pap Tests
- Spanish: Pruebas de Papanicolaou
- Lower Literacy Spanish: Hazte una prueba de Papanicolau, pero solo cuando la necesites
Pelvic Exams and Pap Tests Before Contraceptives (AAFP)
You usually don’t need a Pap test and pelvic exam before getting birth control pills.
PET Scans After Cancer Treatment (ASCO)
If you’ve been treated for cancer, you may not need PET scans to check for a return of the cancer.
Preventing Infections in the Hospital (SHM)
Watch out for two overused hospital medical practices, urinary catheters and ulcer drugs.
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- Plain English: Preventing Infections in the Hospital
- Spanish: Cómo prevenir las infecciones en el hospital
Preventing Seizures After an Ischemic Stroke (AANS, CNS)
Anti-seizure medicine is not usually necessary after an ischemic stroke.
PSA Test for Prostate Cancer (AAFP)
The PSA screening test is widely used, but often is not needed.
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- Plain English: PSA Test for Prostate Cancer (AAFP)
- Spanish: La prueba de sangre PSA para detectar cáncer de próstata
PSA Tests for Prostate Cancer (AUA)
The PSA test is the only available screening test for prostate cancer, but it can have serious risks.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Radiation for Cancer (ASTRO)
Radiation therapy can help treat cancer and the painful symptoms from tumors. But it’s not always needed.
Radiation Therapy for Breast and Gynecologic Cancers (ASTRO)
When it comes to radiation therapy, sometimes less is more. Use this advice to start a conversation with your doctor about the benefits and risks.
Radiation Therapy for Cancer (ASTRO)
Here is advice for talking with your doctor about whether to use radiation as part of cancer treatment.
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- Plain English: Radiation Therapy for Cancer (ASTRO)
- Spanish: La radioterapia para el cáncer
Screening Tests for Brain Aneurysms (AANS)
Screening healthy people for weak areas in the brain’s blood vessels can do more harm than good.
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- Plain English: Screening Tests for Brain Aneurysms
- Spanish: Pruebas de detección para aneurismas cerebrales
Screening Tests for Ovarian Cancer (SGO)
Ultrasound and the CA-125 blood test are not useful for screening low-risk women for ovarian cancer.
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- Plain English: Screening Tests for Ovarian Cancer (SGO)
- Spanish: Exámenes de detección para el cáncer de ovario
Screening Tests: When You Need Them, When You Don’t
It’s important to know which tests you need, and how often you need them.
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- Plain English: Screening Tests: When You Need Them, When You Don’t
- Spanish: Pruebas de detección
Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer (CoC, NAPBC)
If you have breast cancer, there is a newer, simpler surgery to check your lymph nodes.
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- Plain English: Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer (CoC, NAPBC)
- Spanish: Tratamiento para el cáncer de seno
Sleeping Pills for Children With Insomnia (AASM)
Sleep drugs aren’t made for children. There are no prescription drugs approved in the U.S. to treat childhood insomnia.
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- Plain English: Sleeping Pills for Children With Insomnia (AASM)
- Spanish: Evite dar somníferos a los niños con insomnio
Sleeping Pills for Insomnia (AASM)
Sleeping pills are often not the best option for insomnia. Here’s what you need to know.
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- Plain English: Sleeping Pills for Insomnia (AASM)
- Spanish: Las pastillas para dormir para el insomnio
Sleeping Pills for Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People (AGS)
Older adults usually should try other non-drug treatments first, for insomnia and anxiety.
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- Plain English: Sleeping Pills for Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People
- Lower Literacy: Sleeping Pills for Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People
- Spanish: Insomnio y ansiedad en personas mayores
- Lower Literacy Spanish: Las píldoras para dormir podrían tener riesgos para los adultos mayores
Spirometry for Asthma (AAAAI)
Many people who need the test don’t receive it.
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- Plain English: Spirometry for Asthma
- Spanish: Espirometría para el asma
Stable Heart Disease (SCAI)
You may not need an angiogram if your heart disease is stable. Here’s why.
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- Plain English: Stable Heart Disease (SCAI)
- Spanish: Enfermedad cardíaca estable
Stress Tests After a Stent Procedure (SCAI)
Stress tests usually aren’t helpful after a stent procedure, unless you have symptoms of heart disease.
Stress Tests Before Surgery (SVM)
If you’re having surgery, you will probably not need a heart stress test beforehand if you are healthy, active, and feeling well, or if you’re having minor surgery.
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- Plain English: Stress Tests Before Surgery
- Lower Literacy: Stress Tests Before Surgery
- Spanish: Pruebas de esfuerzo del corazón antes de una cirugía
- Lower Literacy Spanish: Hazte una prueba de esfuerzo cardíaco antes de una cirugía, pero solo si la necesitas
Stress Tests for Chest Pain (ASNC)
If you’re at low risk for having a heart problem, even if you have symptoms, you usually don’t need this imaging test.
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- Plain English: Stress Tests for Chest Pain
- Spanish: Pruebas de esfuerzo para el dolor de pecho
Supplements for Osteoarthritis (AAOS)
The popular supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate do not help relieve arthritic knees.
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- Plain English: Supplements for Osteoarthritis (AAOS)
- Spanish: El tratamiento de la osteoartritis de la rodilla
Taking Medicines Safely (ASHP)
It is more precise to measure medicines in milliliters, instead of using a kitchen spoon.
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- Plain English: Taking Medicines Safely
- Spanish: Cómo tomar medicinas de forma segura
Testing After Heart Procedures (ASNC)
Unless you’re experiencing symptoms, this test usually isn’t helpful in the first few years after heart bypass surgery or a stent procedure.
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- Plain English: Testing after heart procedures
- Spanish: Pruebas después de procedimientos cardíacos
Testosterone for Erection Problems (AUA)
Unless you have other symptoms of low testosterone, you should think twice about the treatment. Here’s why.
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- Plain English: Testosterone for Erection Problems (AUA)
- Spanish: Tratamiento para los problemas de erección
Tests and Treatments Employees May Not Need (ACOEM)
Employers should consider these guidelines when sending workers or job candidates to the doctor.
Tests and Treatments for Prostate Cancer
It can be hard to know which tests and treatments to get for prostate cancer. This report pulls together the latest advice from experts.
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- Plain English: Tests and Treatments for Prostate Cancer
- Plain English: Tests and Treatments for Prostate Cancer (for printer)
- Plain English: Tests and Treatments for Prostate Cancer (for printer)
- Spanish: Exámenes y tratamientos para el cáncer de próstata
- Spanish: Exámenes y tratamientos para el cáncer de próstata )for printer)
Tests and Treatments for Women with Breast Cancer (ASBS)
If your doctor recommends one of these five procedures, ask if it’s really necessary. And ask about the risks and costs.
Tests Before Heart Surgery (STS)
Before heart surgery, you probably don’t need a breathing test or carotid ultrasound test, unless you have breathing problems or symptoms.
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- Plain English: Tests Before Heart Surgery (STS)
- Spanish: Pruebas antes de una cirugía del corazón
Treating Acute Blood Clots (ASH)
If you have a deep blood clot, you probably don’t need a device called an IVC filter. They don’t work better than blood-thinning drugs.
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- Plain English: Treating Acute Blood Clots (ASH)
- Spanish: Tratamiento de coágulos sanguíneos agudos
Treating Blocked Leg Arteries (SVM)
Most people with Peripheral Artery Disease won’t benefit from surgery or angioplasty.
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- Plain English: Treating Blocked Leg Arteries (SVM)
- Spanish: Tratamiento de arterias obstruidas en las piernas
Treating Heartburn and GERD (AGA)
In most cases of heartburn a PPI isn’t necessary.
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- Plain English: Treating Heartburn and GERD
- Spanish: Cómo tratar las agruras y la enfermedad de reflujo gastroesofágico
Treating Low-Risk Prostate Cancer (ASTRO)
If you have prostate cancer, but it poses a low risk to you, consider “watchful waiting.”
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- Plain English: Treating Low-Risk Prostate Cancer (ASTRO)
- Spanish: Cáncer de próstata de bajo riesgo
Treating Plantar Fasciitis (AOFAS)
Some doctors recommend surgery. But that can lead to complications, and it doesn’t always work.
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- Plain English: Treating Plantar Fasciitis (AOFAS)
- Spanish: Tratamiento de la Fascitis Plantar
Treating Sinusitis (AAAAI)
Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinusitis.
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- Plain English: Treating Sinusitis
- Spanish: Cómo tratar la sinusitis
- Video: Para tratar la sinusitis
- Video: Treating sinusitis
Treating Sinusitis (AAFP)
Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinusitis.
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- Plain English: Treating Sinus Problems
- Spanish: Cómo tratar la sinusitis
- Video: Treating Sinusitis
- Video: Para tratar la sinusitis
Treating Sleep Problems (APA)
If you have insomnia, antipsychotic drugs should not be the first choice of treatment.
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- Plain English: Treating Sleep Problems (APA)
- Spanish: Tratamiento de problemas del sueño
Treatments and Tests Your Baby May Not Need in the Hospital (AAP)
Here are some common tests and treatments a premature baby may not need.
Unnecessary Treatments in the Emergency Room (ACEP)
Three procedures commonly used in the emergency room are unnecessary in many cases.
Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS, AMDA)
Older adults are often tested for UTIs. But if you don’t have symptoms, the tests are not very useful.
Using Opioids Safely After Surgery (AUA)
If you need opioids after surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to use them safely.
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- Plain English: Using Opioids Safely After Surgery
- Spanish: El uso seguro de los opioides después de una cirugía
Vision Care for Children (AAPOS)
There are several common vision tests and procedures that many children do not need.
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- Plain English: Vision Care for Children (AAPOS)
- Spanish: Cuidado de la vista para los niños
Vitamin D Tests (ASCP)
Doctors often order a blood test to measure your vitamin D, but the results are unlikely to change their advice.
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- Plain English: Vitamin D Tests
- Lower Literacy: Vitamin D Tests
- Spanish: Pruebas de Vitamina D
- Lower Literacy Spanish: Obtén una prueba de vitamina D, pero solo si la necesitas
When It’s Hard to Get Pregnant (ASRM)
Some fertility tests are not usually needed. For example, most couples don’t need laparoscopies or post-coital tests.
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- Plain English: When It’s Hard to Get Pregnant (ASRM)
- Spanish: Cuando es difícil embarazarse
When You Need a CT Scan to Check for a Blood Clot in Your Lungs (ACEP)
If you have most of the signs and risk factors for a blood clot in your lungs, it may be wise to have a CT scan. If not, you may receive a D-dimer blood test first.
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- Plain English: When You Need a CT Scan to Check for a Blood Clot in Your Lungs
- Plain English: When You Need a CT Scan to Check for a Blood Clot in Your Lungs (for printer)
- Spanish: Cuándo necesita una CT scan para saber si tiene un coágulo en los pulmones
- Spanish: Cuándo necesita una CT scan para saber si tiene un coágulo en los pulmones (for printer)
Which Dental Treatments Are Right for You? (ADA)
Here are some facts about common dental treatments. Ask your dentist which treatments are best for you and your family.
Whole-Body Scans to Screen for Cancer (ACPM)
No medical society recommends whole-body scans. There is no evidence that they are a good screening tool.
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- Plain English: Whole-Body Scans to Screen for Cancer (ACPM)
- Spanish: Tomografías de todo el cuerpo para detectar cáncer
Why the Doctor May Not Order a CT Scan for Kidney Stones (ACEP)
For most people, a urine test, blood test and health history are all that’s needed to diagnose kidney stones.
- Plain English: Why the Doctor May Not Order a CT Scan for Kidney Stones
- Plain English: Why the Doctor May Not Order a CT Scan for Kidney Stones (for printer)
- Spanish: Por qué el médico podría decidir no hacerle una CT scan para saber si tiene piedras en el riñón
- Spanish: Por qué el médico podría decidir no hacerle una CT scan para saber si tiene piedras en el riñón (for printer)
From the High Value Care campaign
Adult Vaccines: Protect Yourself and Your Family (ACP)
Here’s how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and others by learning all you can about vaccines.
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- Plain English: Adult Vaccines: Protect Yourself and Your Family (ACP)
- Plain English: Adult Vaccines: Protect Yourself and Your Family (ACP) (For Printer)
- Spanish: Vacunas para adultos: protéjase usted y proteja a su familia
- Spanish: Vacunas para adultos: protéjase usted y proteja a su familia (For Printer)
Imaging Tests for Back Pain (ACP)
It seems like getting an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to find the cause would be a good idea.
Take Control of Your Health (ACP)
Use this guide to talk with your doctor about keeping your body healthy, getting preventive care, and choosing a healthy lifestyle.
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- Plain English: Take Control of Your Health (ACP)
- Plain English: Take Control of Your Health (ACP) (For Printer)
- Spanish: Encárguese de su salud
- Spanish: Encárguese de su salud (For Printer)
Type 2 Diabetes Drugs (ACP)
The best drug choice usually isn’t one of the newer, heavily advertised ones.
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- Plain English: Type 2 Diabetes Drugs (ACP)
- Spanish: Cómo elegir un medicamento para la diabetes tipo 2
Upper Endoscopy for GERD (ACP)
People with heartburn often undergo a procedure called endoscopy to see if GERD is the cause.
Vaccines for Adults (Poster)
Some vaccines are advised for all adults. Other vaccines are advised for only some adults.
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- Plain English: Vaccines for Adults (Poster)
- Plain English: Vaccines for Adults (Poster) (for printing)
- Spanish: Vacunas para adultos
- Spanish: Vacunas para adultos (for printing)
Where To Go for Healthcare When You Need It (ACP)
Where should you go for care when urgent medical issues arise?
Your Health: Fact Not Fiction (poster)
Guidelines for high value care and better health, and what it means to be an engaged patient.
Drugs and Supplements
Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs — Combining effectiveness, safety and pricing information.
Best Drugs for Less
Find Best Buy Drugs that are less expensive, as effective and as safe as some pricey, brand-name drugs.
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- English: Best Drugs for Less
Five Questions to Ask About a New Drug (poster)
Make sure you understand the drug, why you’re taking it, what to expect, and what to watch out for.
Prescription Painkillers: 5 Surprising Facts
How did these dangerously addictive pills turn into the most prescribed drugs in America?
Money Saving Guides — Navigating the world of drugs
Generic Drugs
The big difference is that generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
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- English: Generic Drugs
- Spanish: Medicamentos genéricos
- Video: El mismo medicamento por menos dinero
Getting the Best Price
There are things you can do to save money on drugs—and sometimes a lot of money.
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- English: Getting the Best Price
- Spanish: Cómo obtener el mejor precio
- Video: Cómo obtener el mejor precio en medicinas
Managing Multiple Medicines
The best way to make sure you are taking the right drugs is to review all your drugs with your doctors periodically.
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- English: Managing Multiple Medicines
- Spanish: Múltiples medicamentos
- Video: Cómo manejar múltiples medicamentos
Medication Formularies
Using your plan’s formulary will help you save money on your drugs.
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- English: Medication Formularies
- Spanish: Formulario de su plan de salud:
Off-Label Drug Use
One in five prescriptions in the U.S. is for a use not approved by the FDA.
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- English: Off-Label Drug Use
- Spanish: Usos no aprobados
- Video: Off-label prescription drugs
Prescription Assistance Programs
Do you need help paying for prescription drugs? You may qualify for a Prescription Assistance Program (PAP).
Reading Labels
Both the label and the information sheet tell you important safety information.
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- English: Reading Labels
- Spanish: Cómo leer etiquetas
- Video: Cómo leer etiquetas de su medicina
- Video: Understanding prescription drug labels
Side Effects
Tell your doctor about any previous unpleasant side effects, allergies, or bad reactions.
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- English: Side Effects
- Spanish: Efectos secundarios
- Video: Los efectos secundarios
Splitting Pills
Many doctors and health authorities are advising this strategy with more and more medicines.
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- English: Splitting Pills
- Spanish: División de tabletas
Starting a New Drug
Every time you get a new drug, make sure you understand why you are taking it and how to take it.
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- English: Starting a New Drug
- Spanish: Cómo comenzar con un nuevo medicamento
- Video: Cómo comenzar un nuevo medicamento
Taking Your Medication as Directed
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.
Special Reports — From Consumer Reports magazine
10 Over-the-Counter Drugs to Avoid During Pregnancy
We’ve identified 10 common ingredients used in OTC drugs that are risky for pregnant women, as well as safer alternatives.
Doctors and Hospitals
10 Over-the-Counter Drugs to Avoid During Pregnancy
We’ve identified 10 common ingredients used in OTC drugs that are risky for pregnant women, as well as safer alternatives.
9 Great Health Articles Worth Reading Again
A special compilation of highlights of our recent work in health at Consumer Reports.
America’s Antibiotic Crisis
Consumer Reports has joined the fight to keep a unique and life-saving product working: antibiotics.
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- English: America’s Antibiotic Crisis
Cancer Tests and Treatments
When you need that cancer screening test — and when you don’t.
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- English: Cancer Tests and Treatments
Dr. Who?
The next ‘doctor’ you see might be a nurse practitioner. Here’s a guide to who you can expect to see in a white coat, and how they can help you.
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- English: Dr. Who?
Healing Hearts
Cardiac care is a money-making machine that too often favors profit over science.
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- English: Healing Hearts
Medical Homes
Patient-centered medical homes seek to provide comprehensive, continuous, well-coordinated care to patients.
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- English: Medical Homes
What Doctors Wish Their Patients Knew
How to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship.
What to Reject When You’re Expecting
Here are 10 procedures to think twice about during your pregnancy.
- English: What to Reject When You’re Expecting
- Spanish: Qué debe rechazar cuando está embarazada
Hospital Survival Guide: Before Admission
Planning for a hospital visit can lead to better care and faster care. So use that time to take these steps.
Hospital Survival Guide: Checkin
Besides taking care of financial and insurance questions, make sure you take these five steps at your hospital check-in.
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- English: Hospital Survival Guide: Checkin
Hospital Survival Guide: Checkout
Six steps to help you get the right follow-up care and avoid being readmitted soon to the hospital.
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- English: Hospital Survival Guide: Checkout
Hospital Survival Guide: Checkout Checklist
Reduce your chance of being re-admitted to the hospital by following these steps when you check out.
Hospital Survival Guide: During Your Stay
These eight steps can help improve hospital-patient safety.
California: How Does Your Doctor Compare? (2014)
In this special report for California residents, patients rate 170 physician groups.
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- English: California: How Does Your Doctor Compare?
- Spanish: ¿Cómo se compara su médico?
California: How Does Your Doctor Compare? (2015)
In this 2015 report for California residents, patients rate more than 170 physician groups.
Massachusetts: How Does Your Doctor Compare?
A special report for Massachusetts residents. Patients rate 487 adult, family and pediatric practices.
Minnesota: How Does Your Doctor Compare?
This special report for Minnesota residents provides exclusive Ratings of 552 doctors’ offices statewide.
Wisconsin: How Does Your Doctor Compare?
This special report for Wisconsin residents rates 19 medical groups across the state on key measures of care.