Stay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely: Review

Dr. Davis Liu is an experienced and certified family physician practicing at Permanente Medical Group in Northern California. He writes in a straightforward way in layman’s terms and explains what different medical terminologies and plans mean.

If you think you’re paying more and getting less, you’re right. Unfortunately it appears that the prices will continue to rise. Dr. Davis Liu shares ways to save money and time with your medical care.

Part 1: Health Insurance Policies

First he addresses health insurance, answers whether it’s necessary and the pros and cons to different plans. Dr. Liu explains what a Health Savings Account is, how to know if you qualify, fee for service programs (POS) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans.

Even the healthiest person could become sick or involved in an accident so some insurance is better than none in an emergency

If something were to happen to a parent, it’s an added security knowing their children will still be provided for if there is a sudden health crisis.

Part 2: Making the Doctor's Visit Count

In the second section he focuses on how to make the most out of your time with your doctor visits. Most doctors will only give you half a minute of their time before they interrupt you so it’s important to make that time count. He explains how to provide doctors with the information they need without bombarding them with too many concerns.

Part 3: Guidelines and Routine Tests

In the third section Davis explains what is and isn’t necessary such as routine physicals. If you’re generally healthy and under fifty it’s no longer suggested as a necessary approach to staying healthy. Routine urine samples and chest x-rays should no longer be ordered for an otherwise healthy person. There are also helpful cancer screening guidelines, immunizations information and money saving tips in this section.

Part 4: Obtaining the Right Doctor

The fourth section is about the important business of finding an appropriate doctor who will help keep you healthy. If you’re not comfortable with the doctor’s diagnosis or want to explore other options, never be afraid to seek a second opinion or specialist. It’s your health and your families that you need to protect so trust your instincts.

Part 5: Medications

Finally in the fifth section he addresses medications and the differences between generic and brand names. He also advises people to inquire about an alternative if the medication prescribed is very expensive. Often there are alternatives that can be taken instead. Keep in mind pharmaceutical companies market their products to doctors. Some places prohibit doctors from accepting “gifts” but not all.

Part 6: Alternative Care

This section explores the pros and cons of concierge care. It's expensive but it's convenient since you pay the physician a retainer and there are no waiting rooms.

There is also a brief bit on herbal and dietary supplements. If you want to explore this, you may want to research this further elsewhere.

Part 7: Future Predictions

Hospitalists, group visits and evidence based medicine is predicted to expand.

• The final chapter is a review on staying healthy and keeping fit to prevent health problems from happening in the first place. It’s up to everyone to educate him or herself in order stay well and get the best possible care. Thanks to Dr. Davis Liu and his insiders report, Americans can make more intelligent choices for better health care.

Stay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely

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