Frustrated or confused about how to get good medical care? In her newest book, The Take-Charge Patient: How You Can Get The Best Medical Care, (Lemon Grove Press, on sale May 15, 2012) award-winning author and patient advocate, Martine Ehrenclou, empowers patients to become proactive, well informed participants in their own care. With advice and personal stories from over 200 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, health psychologists, patients and more, The Take-Charge Patient reveals insider information on how to cut through the red tape and navigate today's complex health care system with confidence.

"Insider information from 200 interviews with health professionals and patients"--Cover.

How I became a take-charge patient -- How you become a take-charge patient -- The take-charge patient's toolkit -- How to choose the best doctor for you -- Your relationship with your doctor -- Your relationship with the doctor's staff -- Scheduling tips to get in to see the doctor -- Prepare for your doctor visit -- The doctor will see you now -- Specialists -- How to prevent medication errors and manage your medications -- How to manage medical errors (misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis, and no diagnosis) -- How to research your medical conditions, medications, and treatments -- How to get discounted medical care and discounted medications -- Your health insurance -- Serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions -- Tests, procedures, and surgeries -- The hospital -- Urgent care centers, retail medical clinics, and the emergency room -- Prevention : your health -- Religious institutions and how they can help you -- Patient advocacy -- Concierge doctors and patient-centered care -- Telemedicine and telehealth -- Why it is essential to create your legal health documents now -- Patient safety checklists and sample questions for yourself and your doctor.