Dr. Evan S. Levine considers it his ethical responsibility to say what other doctors won't-that the health care industry has put profits ahead of healing patients. A practicing internist and cardiologist, he shows how to get the best medical care-and avoid the scams used to bilk patients and boost profits. Among the topics and vital tips he covers:
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- How to choose a good doctor, specialist, and hospital
- The life-saving value of second opinions
- Tricks, of the trade that increase the medical industry's profits at patients' expense
- How drug companies pressure physicians into prescribing expensive, brand-name drugs rather than cheaper—and sometimes better—generic substitutes
- Doctors who make money from procedures they're not qualified to perform
- Why health care has deteriorated in America—and what can be done about it