"YOU: The Smart Patient" Should Be on Desk of Every Ill Person

By Lisa Copen
Book Review: "YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment," by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz

When I bought the book "YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment," by Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz a few years ago I had no idea Mehmet Oz or "Doctor Oz" would soon be the hot new guest on Oprah, giving cheery advice on every personal health topic (from the common sense stuff to the unspeakable) on national television. Enjoying his frank yet endearing personality, however, has only made the book more satisfying.

And that's why my review of this book is so complimentary. How can a book on medical jargon, resources, surgery preparation and worse case medical scenarios be enjoyable?

To begin with, the book is jam-packed full of information that we all need, but don't want to curl up with and read. So this information is given to the reader in small doses with imaginative layouts. Amusing clipart and cartoons, tip boxes, a resource portion and the offbeat humor throughout all the content actually entertains the reader.

It's obvious that the book was well thought out and intentionally written for the average person to be able to use as a real tool in caring for his health. A reader may feel that it's the feeling of their favorite consumer magazine, rather than a typical doctor's dry medical journal.

The true value of the book isn't reflected merely in the imaginative pages, however, but with the truly superb content. The authors of "YOU: The Smart Patient" reinforce the need for the reader to be a "medical detective." By taking a second look at one's family tree and keeping track of medical information in the journal in the back of the book, the reader is give not just suggestions, but a workbook.

This book is written in conjunction with The Joint Commission. This is an organization which accredits and certifies more than 15,000 health care organizations and programs in the USA. With this relationship between the organization and author, the reader can be confident that the authors have not biased advice to be concerned with.

"YOU: The Smart Patient" isn't just something to read, but to use. It's filled with checklists for you or whoever who might accompany you on medical visits or hospital stays. It supplies straightforward things a good health advocate must do; like how to verify with your surgeon which body part is being dealt with, what medications you have an allergy to, and how to make sure that your prescription drugs are the correct, since so many medications sound alike.

It goes on to advise one on how to find the right doctor, hospital, and insurance company, how to work with specialists, be your nurse's favorite patient, choose alternative medicine and pain management. It even explains a doctor's typical schedule and why they may seem so tired at times.

I give "YOU: The Smart Patient" five stars! It's the best money you will spend in effectively managing their healthcare, especially if you live with a chronic illness!