Have you ever left a doctor’s office or hospital and thought, “What just happened? Where do I go from here, and why?” Have you ever struggled to understand “Doctor-ese”? Wondered if all those expensive and uncomfortable tests are really necessary?

Then Ann Hester's Patient Empowerment 101 is for you.

Let’s face it. Visiting the doctor or spending time in the hospital doesn’t top most people’s lists of Fun Things To Do On My Vacation. Health care can be intimidating, confusing, time-consuming and expensive. It can also feel overwhelming. And not a little stressful. Patient Empowerment 101 helps minimize all of the above. It aims to “demystify the physician-patient relationship and make the health care system more user friendly.” It hits the target. We’re talkin’ bull's eye.

Practical and down to earth, this patient-friendly tome takes a look at the medical profession and the health care community from the other side of the stethoscope. It shows patients how to not only efficiently and effectively communicate with your health care professional, but it also outlines pitfalls to avoid in your quest to attain proper care, treatment, and good health. Additionally, it turbo-boosts your chances of getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment so you can get healthy and well as quickly as possible.

Topics covered include learning how to expedite your diagnoses, slash medical bills, and think like doctors. It includes how to prepare for your appointment, choosing the doctor right for you, health insurance options, staying safe in the hospital, technology in health care, and the power of an advocate. (The “advocate” is a person who can function as a second set of eyes and ears regarding health-related issues and speak up if they see anything amiss.) Also included are quizzes and links to a website for more information.

Chapters include a Recap section summarizing important elements previously discussed. Three Appendices round out this invaluable resource. They explain Common Medical Tests, Common Medical Abbreviations (Eureka!) and a Glossary of Common Medical Terms (Aha!).

Indeed, this book is a breath of fresh air. And perhaps most importantly, this book isn’t scary. Or mysterious. None of that medical mumbo-jumbo here. The subject matter is approached in a down to earth and direct manner. Written in plain, easy-to-understand English that’s patient-friendly, Patient Empowerment 101 equips you to “play a proactive role” in your own healthcare. Because “the better informed you are, the more you can help your physicians help you.”

That’s called a win-win. Just like this book.

In fact, categorizing this book as “helpful” doesn’t even come close. It is essential. The information and explanations contained herein are must-haves for any visit to the doctor or hospital or attempts to navigate the health care industry at large. Sample records and charts to keep track of your medical information are worth the “price of admission” alone.

This reviewer awards five-star ratings with the frequency of Hailey’s Comet. But this book earns Every. Single. Star. And then some. We’re talkin’ Must Read here. It’s an invaluable resource that no patient or future patient should be without!