by Raymond Lengel

Health Care Responsibility: The Older Adults Guide to Surviving the Health Care System offers a system to get great health care. The United States has the potential to be the best health care system in the world as it is the home of the greatest doctors, hospitals, and research facilities. Yet, the World Health Organization reports that the United States has the 37th best health care system in the world below such countries as Malta (#5), Oman (# 8), Columbia (#22), Morocco (#29), and Costa Rica (#36). In the developed world, the United States is at the bottom of the list for infant mortality and life expectancy. Why are our statistics so poor? Restricted time with health care providers exists because doctors are forced to see a large number of patients in a short period of time. Rushed doctors are unable to obtain a good medical history, review what testing needs to be done, or answer questions posed by patients. This book offers an overview of the health care system and an explanation why everyone must assume health care responsibility; a seven-step system to report a complete yet concise medical history; multiple forms to assure productive health care visits; a tracking system to assure appropriate preventative health care; tips on exercise and nutrition; and questions to ask health care providers.