Gunzour's Journal: Doctors withhold info from patients

According to an AP news report making the rounds this morning: "Nearly one in three doctors reports withholding information from patients about useful medical services that aren't covered by their health insurance companies, and the number may be on the rise, a study reports."

The article suggests that the blame lies squarely on the shoulder of health insurance/managed care companies.

A free marketplace and fair competition thrives on availability of information. If doctors are intentionally withholding information from their patients, particularly about possible treatments that their insurance does not cover, how is the patient to make an informed choice about their health coverage?

As a person, you must take responsibility for your own health. Don't ever assume the 10 minute conversation you have during a doctor's visit is all you need to know about your body. Personally, I've found the Life Extension Foundation to be an excellent source of information about mainstream and alternative treatments for many health issues that people face today. Their book provides down-to-earth, well-researched information about a variety of ailments and treatments. It's a lot of information for the average person to comprehend, but Slashdotters are hardly "average". If you want to be healthy and live a longer life, why not get geeky about your health?