New Guide Empowers People to Take Charge of Healthcare

"Excuse me, Doctor. I've got what?" This is the often shocked, disbelieving reaction of patients in the complicated world of American health care. When the shock wears off, reality settles in, and the patient is diagnosed with a chronic or serious illness, what do they do? "Excuse Me, Doctor" is Melissa E. Clarke's user-friendly guide that gives people the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make sound decisions about their health care-including treatment, caregiver, and financial options.

In the age of great reform and changes in health care, "Excuse Me, Doctor" empowers everyday people to get what they need from the American health care system. In addition to practical, how-to guidance on everything from choosing a doctor to understanding insurance, "Excuse Me, Doctor" equips readers with a self-health action plan that helps them become their own best advocate in taking care of their most valuable resource-their health.

"My passion for health care arises from not just being a physician for over twenty years, but being a caregiver and patient myself," says Dr. Clarke. "I know the challenges that patients face at every turn trying to get quality care." She says with health care reform, there will be new expectations for patients in terms of self-care and self-responsibility. "I see the need now more than ever before for people to take control of their health and their health care experience."

Be aware of and learn to weigh health care decisions in the current environment with Dr. Melissa Clarke's vital book. With the ongoing reforms in health care, Dr. Clarke's book provides valuable and necessary informational support at the patients' level, so that they can consciously participate in resolving the issues connected to their well-being.

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.xlibris.com. To book Dr. Clarke for interviews or speaking engagements, please contact Cathy Lewis at cslewispublicity(at)gmail(dot)com or 845-679-2188.

About the Author
Dr. Melissa Clarke, a Harvard-educated physician for over twenty years, has been on the frontlines educating patients about taking an active role in their own health care. An emergency medicine physician certified in acupuncture, she supports the integration of the best Western and Eastern approaches. She believes that regardless of which medical system we use, we each play a crucial role in our own wellness and healing. With her extensive knowledge of health care, she has been a commentator in newsletters, radio, and TV as well as on Facebook (Dr. melissa Clarke) and Twitter (@DrMelissaClarke). Her mission is to educate and empower health care consumers to be their own best advocates.

"Excuse Me, Doctor! I've Got What?" * by Melissa E. Clarke, MD
Taking Ownership of Your Health and Making Health Care Reform Work for You
Publication Date: August 28, 2013
Trade Paperback; $15.99; 271 pages; 978-1-4836-6248-0
Trade Hardback; $22.99; 271 pages; 978-1-4836-6249-7
eBook; $3.99; 978-1-4836-6250-3

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (812) 355-4079 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

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