Do You Feel Empowered As A Patient?

Trisha Torrey, About.com's new Patient Empowerment guide, can help you navigate today's confusing healthcare system.

Trisha says, "There are few Marcus Welbys practicing medicine today. The world of medicine has transitioned to a system that takes control away from both patients and their doctors, giving rise to a new paradigm that requires patients to take more responsibility in their medical care than in the past."

It's true that patients who are active participants in their own care have better outcomes than patients who put all the decisions in the hands of others. But how do you get started? What do you need to learn? What are the most important things to look for in a treatment, a doctor, or a hospital? The answers can be found at Patients.About.com.

• The Wise Patient's Guide to Being an Empowered Patient
• Finding Doctor Right

More from your Diabetes Guide...

• HIPAA and Your Private Medical Information
• Being Honest with Your Doctor
• Assembling Your Own Personal Healthcare Team

Photo courtesy of Keith Brofsky/Getty Images