5 Responses to “The Secrets of Medical Decision Making: How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of the Health Care Machine”

1. 

   Atlantic Book Review said on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 22:00

   In this work, Dr. Reznik alerts the consumer to the reality of today’s medicine and its practices. He presents a medical industry that places the individual physician in a `box’ that influences his decision-making beyond what is always best for the patient. Dr. Reznik position is that the modern physician is unduly influenced by the fear of litigation, the need to follow untested medical guidelines, the pressure of the pharmacology industry and the demands of the insurance companies. He presents a compelling case for his beliefs. His thesis is presented in short chapters of two or three pages that use interesting case studies to inform the reader about their need to ask questions and take charge of their own medical needs.
   
   His writing style is easy to digest and compelling. This work is an effortless read and easy for the layperson to understand. My one complaint is in the displayed copies of medical records, notes and tests results as the printing is blurred and difficult to see.
   
   Dr. Reznik’s concern that many patients allow the medical industry to take over their individual decision-making is unfortunately very accurate – too many patients get caught up in endless consultations and unnecessary tests. My one very strong objection is to Dr. Reznik’s dismissal of the need for cancer screening. As a cancer survivor myself, I believe the truth gives the patient the power of control. To tell the public that cancer screening, especially mammography, is not necessary is extremely dangerous and endangers lives unnecessarily.
   
   Rating: 2 / 5
2. 

   Tetyana O. Odarich said on Thursday, January 14, 2010, 0:46

   I liked the book. Majority of topics are very controversial, I did not agree with all of them. Hovewere, it would be great if more people would read the book to be more edacated about current medical system. It is also very thoughts provocing…
   Rating: 4 / 5
3. 

   W. E. Baehr said on Thursday, January 14, 2010, 3:07

   Learn the truth about the medical industry and it’s wasteful and dangerous business scams. What you will learn may save your life.
   Rating: 5 / 5
4. 

   Richard R. Blake said on Thursday, January 14, 2010, 5:41

   Oleg I. Reznik M.D. has coined the term “Medical Box” to illustrate the boxed-in thinking imposed on physicians. He calls the four corners of the box: fear of litigation, financial and time pressure, guidelines of Health Care authorities, and the current Medical Model, disease oriented thinking.

   Dr. Reznik uses vignettes from actual medical records, his own experience, and from the experiences of his colleagues to further illustrate the implications of the obstacles placed on the physician and the medical profession as a whole.

   Each vignette reflects the perspective of the physician, the patient and family, sometimes the societal, and finally the spiritual/philosophical view as it relates to treatment, suffering, guilt, and in the final preparation of facing death.

   Reznik supports the belief that the patient should assume more responsibility in learning the options available to him, the side effects that may result, and the expected results of taking action. He suggests asking these three questions. What is the doctor trying to find out from the testing? How will this additional information affect medical management and prognosis? What does the testing entail? What are the risks of test or procedure?

   “Secrets of Medical Decision Making” freely uses detailed descriptions of medical treatments, tests, and procedures written in a layman’s language. Rezik has produced an outstanding work. This is a guide to help patients avoid becoming victims of the health care machine. It is truly an eye opener. Dr. Rezik is well qualified to write this book. He is a board certified family physician. This study is an important addition to studies on patient advocacy. Rezik has done thorough research and has provided comprehensive reference documentation. Physicians, medical practitioners, and patients will all benefit from reading this book. It is both, enlightening, and instructive. This is a book to be read and read again.

   Rating: 5 / 5
5. 

   Marj said on Thursday, January 14, 2010, 7:56

   Dr Reznik has written a highly informative book that Americans need to read for the knowledge that most of us don’t have. In today’s constantly changing medical world, we need all the help that we can get. Many thanks to Dr Reznik for sharing with us.

   (posted for a friend in Cicero, NY, not able to access the website)
   
   Rating: 5 / 5