ROCKVILLE, Md., Apr 20, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. TV and movie star Fran
Dresher is urging patients in a public service announcement to ask their health
professionals questions.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services and The Advertising Council ads feature people asking
questions in everyday situations -- such as in a restaurant -- but "clamming up"
when their doctor asks if they have questions.
The television, radio, print, outdoor and Web ads direct patients to learn 10
questions everyone should think about asking his or her doctor.
Drescher, a uterine cancer survivor, says asking questions may help in getting
needed healthcare.
"I am an eight-year cancer survivor because I spoke up and continued to ask
questions of my doctors, which led to my diagnosis," Dresher said in a
statement.
Patients who ask questions receive better quality healthcare and get better
results, Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy of AHRQ says.
"Asking your doctor or other clinicians questions about why you need a
particular medical test, the potential side effects and the benefits and risks
of those procedures will help you make appropriate medical decisions," Clancy
said.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International