The quality of U.S. health care is arguably the best in the world. Doctors, surgeons, specialists, nurses and other medical personnel undergo years of training and study.  American hospitals are equipped with some of the world’s most advanced facilities and medical equipment.  Additionally, pharmaceutical companies, which spend billions of dollars yearly on research and production of new drugs, contribute to the high quality of medical care in this country.

Medical Treatment in the USA - the Basics

In an emergency, time can make all the difference.  In the United States, dial “911” in an emergency.  Calling “911” will connect you with an emergency service operator, a highly trained attendant who will send you an ambulance or police car and offer you help over the phone. Any time you are in serious danger, witness an accident or see a crime in progress, call “911” immediately. 

“911” operators are highly skilled in dealing with medical situations that demand immediate assistance, split-second decisions and life-saving advice.  Sometimes the operator will put you on hold in order to relay your information to dispatchers.  Don’t worry about being on hold; as soon as you talk to the “911” operator, an ambulance or other authorities are immediately on their way to your location.

You should call “911” in the following situations:

• Car or vehicle accident
• Serious injury or bleeding
• Fire
• Witnessing a crime in progress
• Chest pains or breathing difficulties
• Unconsciousness or concussion
• Dizziness or fainting
• Ingestion of a poisonous substance
• Overdose of medications or drugs

Dental Care

Dental care is important for your overall health and hygiene.  The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that you get yearly check-ups and cleanings at your dentist.  Click here to find a dentist near you.

Dentists recommend that you brush and floss your teeth daily to keep them healthy.  Brushing and flossing can prevent cavities, tooth decay and more serious dental problems, such as gingivitis, a serious gum disease.

In addition to treatment of you teeth and prevention of diseases, dentists also specialize in straightening your teeth with braces and other cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening.

Paying for dental care

You should find a health insurance plan that includes dental care coverage.  Not all insurance plans include dental coverage.  Dental care can be very expensive, so be sure to ask your insurance provider if your plan covers basic dental procedures, including regular check-ups and emergency dental care.  Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic dentistry, such as braces and teeth whitening.  If you are considering getting braces, you will likely have to pay out-of-pocket.

Vision Care

Eye doctors, known as optometrists, can evaluate the quality of your vision.  Optometrists are trained and licensed doctors who can administer vision care and prescribe eyeglasses and contacts. Optometrists also test for eye diseases, the most serious of which is glaucoma, which can lead to blindness if untreated.  If you have more serious eye problems, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist, which is an eye doctor who specializes in eye diseases.

At some point, you may need an optician to fill a prescription for eyeglasses or contacts to help correct vision problems.  The most common vision problems are nearsightedness and farsightedness.  Nearsightedness means that you can see clearly only things that are close to you.  Farsightedness is the opposite, meaning that you can see faraway objects clearly but nearby objects appear blurred.  Most people over 40 years old require glasses or contacts for either nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Inoculations

All U.S. schools require children to receive certain shots, or inoculations, before attending school. Some schools offer the shots, while other schools require you to get the necessary inoculations at your local hospital. You can also get these shots at a state health department—and often the shots are free.  Look in your phone book in the blue pages, under state government, to find a state health department near you.

Immunizations are an important part of preventative medicine.  Talk to your doctor about the immunizations needed for you and your children.  These immunizations may include:

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
• MCV4 (bacterial meningitis)
• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)
• Hib (meningitis)
• IPV (polio)
• Influenza (flu shot)

    

How Do I Find a Physician?

Finding a medical doctor

The American Medical Association (AMA), the leading medical society for doctors, offers valuable information about finding a doctor on the AMA website.  The website lists doctors who are members of the AMA, as well as those who are members of other medical societies. Finding a doctor for you and your family is a big decision. You should feel comfortable with your doctor and trust him or her with your medical care.  A good doctor will listen well and give you the advice and medical knowledge you’re looking for.Most of the time, you must choose a doctor who is approved by your insurance plan.  But you still have many options when it comes to choosing a doctor.

Finding an eye doctor

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is the primary organization concerned with vision care in the United States. Visit the AAO website to find valuable information about vision care, preventative tips, and lists of eye doctors in your area.  You should also ask your family, friends, neighbors and local doctor for recommendations on an eye doctor near you.

Finding a dentist

Dentists, like doctors, must undergo specific training.  Accredited dentists have “DDS”—Doctor of Dental Sciences”—after their names.  When you are looking for the right dentist, make sure the dentist is licensed by the dental medical board of your state.  You should consider several factors when looking for the dentist that’s right for you:  

• Ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers for recommendation
• Ask your doctor or local pharmacist about the dentists in your area
• Visit the American Dental Association (ADA) website, which includes comprehensive information about the dental profession, and a database of dentists with a search engine for finding dentists in your area
• Call or write your local or state dental society for a recommendation. These societies are listed in the telephone directory under "dentists" or "associations"

On your first visit to the dentist’s office, consider the following factors:

• Does your dentist properly explain the procedures and treatments?
• Is the appointment schedule convenient for you?
• Does your dentist give you good advice for taking care of your teeth?
• Is the dental office conveniently located to your home or office?
• Does your insurance cover your dental work? In an emergency, is your dentist available? Is the office clean and sanitary?

Resources and Related Links

Here is a list of resources to find a doctor that’s right for you:

• American Dental Association (ADA) website
• American Medical Association (AMA) website
• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) website

Insurance Plans - Ask your insurance provider to give you a list of physicians who are approved under your insurance plan.  Even though your choice of doctors may be limited, most plans provide a list of wide list of good doctors who are covered under your plan.

Hospitals - Many hospitals will provide lists of doctors in your area, although their lists may not provide information about the quality of each doctor.  Usually hospitals will refer you to doctors on staff at the hospital.

Family and Friends - Ask your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers for feedback about local doctors.  Sometimes relying on word-of-mouth is the best way to find a doctor. 

Visiting a Doctor

Give information 

• Don’t wait for your doctor to ask you questions.  You know important things about your symptoms and your health history. Tell your doctor what you think he or she needs to know.  The more information you give to your doctor, the better care you’ll receive.
• It is important to tell your doctor personal information—even if it makes you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.  Keep in mind that medical records are kept strictly confidential.
• Bring a "health history" list, which enumerates your past and current health problems and doctor visits.  Try to keep the list as up to date as possible. You might want to make a copy of the form for each member of your family.
• Always bring any medicines you are taking, or a list of those medicines (include when and how often you take them) and what strength. Talk about any allergies or adverse reactions you have had to your medicines.
• Tell your doctor about any herbal products you use or alternative medicines or treatments you receive.  This might include herbal tea remedies or treatments such as acupuncture.
• Bring any other medical information, such as x-ray films, test results, and medical records, if relevant.

Get information  

• Ask questions if you don’t understand something your doctor says. If you don't, your doctor may think you understand everything that was said. 
• Write down your questions before your visit.  Doctor’s visits are short, so be sure to ask the most important questions first.  You might want to bring someone along to help you ask questions. This person can also help you understand and/or remember the answers. 
• Ask your doctor to draw pictures if that might help to explain something more clearly. 
• Take notes. Some doctors do not mind if you bring a tape recorder to help you remember things. But always ask first. Let your doctor know if you need more time. If there is not time that day, perhaps you can speak to a nurse or physician assistant on staff. Or, ask if you can call later to speak with someone.
• Ask for written instructions, if needed.Ask for brochures, audio tapes or videotapes. Most doctor’s offices provide these materials for free.

Final Steps

• Take your notes home with you.
  
• Follow UpIf you have questions, call.
  
• If your symptoms get worse, or if you have problems with your medicine, call.
  
• If your doctor required certain tests, make appointments at the lab or other offices to get them done.If you had tests and do not hear from your doctor, call for your test results.
• If your doctor said you should see a specialist, make an appointment.

    

Medications - the Basics

Prescription medications Over the counter medications Going to the pharmacy Tips for taking medications

Prescription medications

Prescription medications are drugs that only your doctor can give you.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a federal department, strictly controls prescription drugs.  These medications can be picked up, with a doctor’s signed prescription, at your local pharmacy.  Common prescription drugs include antibiotics, painkillers, and antidepressants.  Before you take any medication, be sure to ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible side effects, risks and drug interactions.  See the section "Tips for taking medications"

Over the counter medications

Non-prescription drugs are often referred to as “over the counter” medications.  You can purchase over the counter drugs without a doctor’s prescription.  You’ll find over the counter drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and cold medicines, at your local supermarket or convenience store.  Your local pharmacist can be a valuable resource when you’re shopping for over the counter medicine.  Don’t hesitate to ask him or her any questions you have.

Going to the pharmacy

A pharmacist is a licensed professional who fills prescriptions for substances that are controlled by the FDA.  A pharmacist will only give you medication that has been recommended by your doctor on a signed prescription note. A pharmacist is also to trained answer questions you may have about medications, including possible side effects and drug interactions with food, alcohol and other substances.  He or she can also give you advice about over the counter medications.

Tips for taking medications

Taking medication comes with benefits as well as risks. Here are some important questions to ask your pharmacist or doctor when taking any medication:  

• What foods, drinks or other medications should I avoid?
• Is it okay to substitute a less-expensive generic medicine for the name brand? Will it achieve the same effect?
• What should you do if you miss a dose of your medication?
• What are the drug’s side effects?
• What should I do if the side effects become severe?
• How will your physical activity be affected by this medication?
• How will the medication affect your sleep pattern?