We are all consumers of medical care, whether our care is for yearly checkups or ongoing illnesses. In the past, many of us accepted our treatment without question. Now, enlightened consumers of health care are taking a more active role in assessing their treatment and their options. This has led to patients becoming informed as much as possible about their health concerns, and taking an active part in decisions about their health care. It has become even more important to be informed about your health-care options today, when the law is struggling to keep up with technological and scientific advances in medicine.

Each section of this chapter is self-contained; however, before drawing any conclusions or inferences from any particular question, it is advisable to read the entire relevant section of the chapter, so as to be well informed with respect to the context of the information given, and be aware of any qualifications to it.

1. Patients' Rights
1. Confidentiality and Privacy
2. Emergency Care
3. Informed Consent
2. Health-Care Options
1. Health Insurance and Managed Care Organizations
2. Medicare and Medicaid
3. State Children's Health Insurance Program
3. Regulating Health-Care Professionals
1. Licensing of Doctors, Nurses, and Hospitals
2. Medical Malpractice
3. Research on Humans
4. Specific Issues in Health Care
1. Assisted Reproductive Technologies
2. Abortion
3. Organ Donation
4. Assisted Suicide