by Dr. Sam Benjamin Whether shopping is your favorite thing or researching a major purchase is totally unpleasant for you, you need to think of health care as a "shopping experience." I know. It hasn't been like that before. You used to go to a doctor who was conveniently located and do everything he or she said to do without giving it much scrutiny. But that's an out-of-date way to look at health care.

Your health and your pocketbook both depend on making good choices when it comes to working within the health care system. So get the information you need and make good buying decisions - just as you would when buying a car. Follow these guidelines to good health care consumerism:


Keep copies of your medical records and call the doctor or hospital to correct any errors you find.


Careful scrutiny applies to alternative therapies as well - even though many alternative practitioners are not used to it. I always tell my patients if I have evidence to support the use of alternative and conventional therapies, or if I'm just making a "best guess." I'm never offended when patients seek another opinion; I often encourage it in difficult situations.


Sometimes the need for a test is based on research or fact. Sometimes it's based solely on the doctor's opinion. You need to know if it's fact or opinion. And you need to weigh whether that's worth the cost to you.

You also need to be aware of tradition. For example, tradition has it that everyone needs an annual physical exam. However, this tradition isn't supported by research. You've probably been told - and believe - that annual physical exams are important, even though current treatment guidelines say they are unnecessary for people without specific symptoms. These guidelines suggest a more selective screening process, based on a patient's personal and family history and overall disease risk.

Despite these new guidelines, many Americans expect an annual physical exam and tests.


If you are considering nutritional supplements, be wary of:

• Infomercials - which can be filled with inaccuracies and hosted by marketing persons and "professionals" of dubious credibility.
  
  
• Nutritional supplement multi-level marketing schemes - You may have a trusted neighbor or friend who sells nutritional supplements, but these products are often over-priced and not proven to be safe and effective - despite the fancy literature and exaggerated claims.
  
  
• Employees at health food stores - Employees of a health food store might direct you to specific brands for three reasons: they really know something about that product that makes it preferable over another, or they're making a commission on those products, or they're pushing one product over another because the profit margin is better. When health food store employees spend several years selling these products, it's tempting for them to think they have the equivalent of a medical degree. They don't! If you want advice about conventional medicine go to a well trained M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O.(osteopath). If you want alternative medicine, get your advice from a well-trained ND (naturopath) or MD with integrative medicine training, or some other professional.
  
  
• Doctors who sell products - Some doctors sell products in their office, including medical devices, drugs, testing equipment, or natural remedies. Often these products are extra revenue-generators that could bias your doctor's judgment in favor of products you may not need.
  

As a consumer, you take extra precautions to make sure that a car mechanic doesn't do unnecessary work on your car, that the grocery clerk doesn't overcharge you, that you pick up the right medicine at the pharmacy, and that the retail store has a good return policy. Consumerism is an everyday affair - and it applies to all aspects of health care as well. While most health care providers are caring and committed, you should still be on your toes.


Being a good health care consumer is not an easy task. You are your own best advocate in a complicated medical system. Don't be afraid. You can do it. I receive many calls and e-mails from listeners of my radio show acknowledging that it can be done. Smart consumerism can save your life and protect your wallet.