If seemingly contradictory health news has you confused, it's time to learn how to read between the lines.

To avoid wasting valuable time, be prepared for every doctor visit, using these suggestions.

Your relationship with your health care provider is one of the most important in your life.

When you and your health care provider communicate well regarding health and personal issues, your health benefits.

Here are suggestions that can help you work with your doctor if you choose to use alternative therapies.

People who are actively involved in their medical care stay healthier, recover quicker when they're ill and live longer, healthier lives.

If your provider suggests non-emergency surgery or a major medical test, it can be worthwhile to get a second opinion

A PHR can help reduce or eliminate duplicate tests and allow you to receive faster, safer treatment and care in an emergency. It also can help you play a more active role in your health care.

It's no picnic being a patient. But as long as you have to be one, it pays to make the most of it.

Whatever the reason for needing a new primary care physician, these suggestions can help you find the right doctor.

When you’re sick, knowing whether you should treat yourself at home or see your doctor can save you time and hundreds, possibly thousands, of dollars a year.

Well-informed people who play a significant role in deciding how they’re going to treat their health conditions are likely to feel better about the decision process.

Your health is so central to who you are, so important to how well you function and enjoy life, your doctor can be one of your most valued life partners.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to proceed. You just have to do the best you can.

If you’re covered by Medicare, the following glossary can help you understand some of the basic terms that describe your benefits.

Men are missing opportunities to detect and address medical problems in their early stages, when many conditions are more treatable and less threatening to overall health.

Patient advocates fulfill many roles, even, in some cases, staying with hospitalized patients around the clock to help guard against medical errors.