Disclaimer: It is not the intention of IHC to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and IHC urges you to talk with your healthcare providers when discussing personal questions or issues.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Iowa Report
Medication Card
MedlinePlus
NIHSeniorHealth
US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is the health services research arm of the federal U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Their mission is to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of health care for all Americans.
AHRQ provides this "Consumers & Patients" website as a resource for a large variety of the latest research-driven, scientific evidence-based information designed to help people make informed decisions about their health care.
Below are links to some website-based resources within the AHRQ - Consumers & Patients website:
Questions Are The Answer - this website presents information designed to strengthen patients' ability to understand, plan, and take an active role in your own health care. This involves patients being able to effectively communicate with healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, and others).
Real Men Wear Gowns - this website presents information designed to assist men in taking a more active role in their health care.
Insure Kids Now - this website presents state-specific information about Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs. Together, these federal and state programs offer assistance with obtaining health insurance coverage for kids.
Seasonal Flu - this is a Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) website that provides up-to-date information regarding many flu topics - including flu types (H1N1, seasonal), symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
Hospital Compare - this is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website that can be used by consumers to compare the quality, safety, and patient-centeredness of care that hospitals provide.
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This website was created by the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative to promote responsible public reporting of Iowa hospital quality and patient safety performance. The information presented on this website can be used by consumers to compare the quality, safety, and patient-centeredness of care that Iowa hospitals provide.
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As a patient, you are a member of the healthcare team. As part of this team, you play an important role in your safety when receiving health care either in a hospital or clinic. IHC has worked with health care providers from across the state to develop the following tools for patients to use to help you be informed and involved in your care:
We respectfully ask that the section giving credit to the constructionist of the med card remain. (i.e. Iowa Healthcare Collaborative; St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids; Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids; Iowa Pharmacy Association)
IHC's mission is to promote sharing and collaboration in the Healthcare industry to encourage same we feel it is important to give credit to those who have contributed to others. We thank you for your cooperation.
The medication brochure was created for you (as a healthcare consumer) to encourage safe medication practices in various health care locations and in your home. The brochure was developed in collaboration with St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids; and the Iowa Pharmacy Association. It offers tips about asking important questions, talking with providers and pharmacists, and information about how you can maximize your safety when it comes to medications.
The brochure is accompanied by a wallet medication card that allows you to list your personal medical history and keep track of all of your medications. It’s a good idea to always bring the wallet card with you during visits to the doctor, hospital, dentist, clinic and pharmacy.
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MedlinePlus
- MedlinePlus® - MedlinePlus directs you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus also contains extensive information about drugs and supplements, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive tutorials, the latest health news, and surgery videos.
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National Institutes of Health (NIH) Senior Health
- NIHSenior Health - this easy-to-use website features health and wellness information for older adults from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
Below are links to specific web pages within the HHS website:
- Families - HHS.gov - this HHS web page contains information to help you improve your health, the health of your loved ones, and to assist those who need help with daily life. Information is provided on the health of infants, children, teens, adults, seniors, veterans, caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and travelers. Locate health care providers and facilities. Also, information is provided on child support, paying for child care, aid for children with disabilities, Head Start, temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), paying for home heating and cooling, HHS Poverty Guidelines, and eligibility for federal government benefits.
- Prevention - HHS.gov - this HHS web page provides information on eating smart, exercising regularly, and getting routine health screenings. Be an active participant in managing your health by leading a healthy lifestyle.
- Womens Health - WomensHealth.gov - the Office on Women's Health (OWH) within HHS provides information designed to ensure that all women and girls are healthier and have a better sense of well being.
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