Taking time to read, understand and act on your rights and responsibilities can help you proactively engage in the health care you receive.

A PHR can help reduce or eliminate duplicate tests and allow you to receive faster, safer treatment and care in an emergency. It also can help you play a more active role in your health care.

Well-informed people who play a significant role in deciding how they’re going to treat their health conditions are likely to feel better about the decision process.

You don't have time to choose a hospital if you have a health emergency. But if you’re facing surgery or treatment for a particular health condition, taking time to find a hospital that meets your needs is well worth the effort.

To get the best medical care you can, you should be an informed patient who works closely with your health care provider.

No purchase is more important than medical care, yet people spend more time shopping for houses and cars than they do for their own health care.

Some differences between men and women are obvious. But others go beyond basic anatomy.

Although you may not be able to avoid a hospital stay, there are ways to trim the expenses.

To make sure you’re getting high-quality care, ask yourself if your health care provider is meeting your needs in five areas.

Here are strategies from the Food and Drug Administration to help you cut your prescription costs by 50 percent or more.

Get your timing right, and you'll whiz through waiting rooms at doctor's appointments. Your medications will work their best.