Health Literacy

Health Literacy refers to a person’s ability to understand and use health information to make informed decisions. In Patient Better, this tag covers educational tools and resources that help patients become confident navigators of their care.

Doctor reviewing a lab report with a patient, explaining how to read lab results values and next steps.

How to Read Lab Results Without Cherry-Picking: See the Whole Report and Know What to Ask Next

Lab results can feel confusing, especially when one flagged number grabs your attention and you miss the bigger picture. This article shows you how to read the full lab report step-by-step—understand ranges and flags, spot trends over time, and know exactly what questions to ask so you leave with a clear next step.

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Value-based care explained through patient-centered healthcare, showing a physician and care team engaging with an older patient and caregiver to support coordinated, outcome-focused care.

Value-Based Care Explained: Why U.S. Healthcare Is Shifting From Volume to Outcomes—and What That Means for Patients

Value-based care is reshaping how healthcare is delivered, measured, and paid for—but most patients are never told what that actually means for their care. This article explains value-based care in plain language so you can understand the system shift, why patient engagement matters, and how this model affects access, outcomes, and everyday healthcare decisions.

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A patient taking their blood pressure during a telemedicine appointment, preparing questions to ask during a sick visit to communicate clearly with their provider.

The 5 Smartest Questions To Ask During a Sick Visit: A Winter-Ready Guide for Clear Communication

This article walks you through the most important questions to ask during a sick visit so you can get clear answers and feel confident about your care. You’ll learn how to prepare—whether in person or through telemedicine—so your provider has everything needed to guide your recovery.

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Smiling older woman using her laptop and phone at home to manage her healthcare, illustrating the Patient Better vs WebMD difference by showing how real navigation and care coordination skills support today’s medical needs.

Patient Better vs WebMD: Why Today’s Healthcare System Requires Education, Not Just Information

Today’s healthcare system asks patients to do far more than understand their conditions—it requires them to navigate, coordinate, and manage their care with confidence. This article breaks down why the Patient Better vs WebMD difference matters now and shows readers how real navigation skills can transform their entire healthcare experience.

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Melatonin and heart health: doctor discusses study results with an older patient.

Melatonin and Heart Health: What the Latest Heart Failure Study Really Means for You

Melatonin and heart health are back in the headlines after new research linked long-term use to higher heart failure risk in some groups. This article breaks down the findings without hype, shares three key takeaways, and offers practical steps to guide your next discussion with your clinician.

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