Consumer health basics
Learning Center
Age isn't a barrier to organ donation
Interested in registering as an organ donor but worried that you're too old? Don't be. There's no defined cutoff age for donating organs. The decision to use a donor's organs is based on strict medical criteria, not age, and is made by doctors at the time of death.
Organ donation: Don't let these myths confuse you
Organ donation saves lives, but misinformation surrounds it. Get the facts about becoming an organ donor.
Medical credentials and degrees explained
Confused by the credentials for doctors, nurses and physician assistants? Get definitions of common credentials and learn why they matter.
Health savings accounts: Is an HSA right for you?
Health savings accounts combined with high-deductible health plans are promoted as a way to cut medical costs. See if they're right for you.
What is compassionate use of experimental drugs?
Compassionate use is a way for people with life-threatening illnesses to get access to experimental treatments.
Telehealth: Technology meets health care
From patient portals to wearable monitoring devices, telehealth gives you the tools to better manage your health. Are you taking advantage of these tools?
Personal health records and patient portals
Personal health records and patient portals make it easy to access your medical information using your computer or smartphone.
Create a family health record
Prepare for a family emergency by gathering important details about your family's health. For each person, gather the following information: medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type, doctor's name and phone number, and insurance information. Also include advance directives, the legal documents that outline your decisions about health care, such as whether to use life-support machines.
Web savvy: Choose health sites with care
The web is awash with health information, but how can you duck the quacks? Use this checklist to evaluate what you find online: 1. Check dates. Search for the most recent information you can find. 2. Check the source. Look for articles that refer to published medical research and have been reviewed by qualified professionals. 3. Double-check what you find. Visit several sites and compare information.
Living wills and advance directives for medical decisions
Living wills and other advance directives describe your treatment preferences in end-of-life situations when you can't speak for yourself.
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