Being able to navigate through the different types of treatment, providers, and places of treatment, can be intimidating to patients. Having the right resources will make the search process easier, and the reader to distinguish the general, anecdotal, treatment, and regulatory information.
First off, determine the type of information.
Not all webpages are created the same; pages will give general information while others will give a detailed description of a treatment, or personal experience with a procedure. For instance, 10x health system reviews will give you an overview on the experiences of other patients, before even speaking with your own physician.
This information is subjective and should not be used as medical advice.
Secondly, determine what the treatment entails.
Treatment names may sound alike but can differ greatly. Knowing where the treatment is coming from (product, facility) and how the procedure is performed matters. Understanding the purpose of the treatment, condition for which it is used (approved or otherwise) and if the method itself has been studied or reviewed by other organizations, can make all the difference.
This step is critical for the reader, as multiple treatments can have the same name.
Third, location specific information.
Location can play a role in treatment, so knowing the providers within the area is beneficial. For example; browsing through denver stem cell therap may tell you what treatment facilities have to offer, and what they may require (additional paperwork, etc.) Understanding the location and logistics (schedule, transportation, etc.) is vital for the patient considering traveling for treatment.
Fourth, what does The FDA have to say.
Navigating through the FDA website can be tiresome, but informative. The agency advises the general population that regenerative medicine products like stem cells and exosomes are regulated and “makes clear that products made from or containing exosomes have not been approved by the FDA.” Knowing what exactly the treatments are comprised of, is important in and of itself.
Furthermore, the FDA notifies consumers to be wary of any company that boasts unsubstantiated claims of FDA approved treatments for various conditions.
Fifth, cost of treatment and other expenses.
Costs can vary for both treatments, and conditions, therefore it is advised that the patient knows exactly what they are responsible for (facility, procedure, medication, post-op care, etc.) For instance, an exosome therapy cost search results may not include additional expenses. One must understand the breakdown of these charges and if any office visits or treatment applications may incur additional expenses.
The information gathered should not be compared to other facilities offering the same procedure, instead information should be used as a tool for clarifying concerns and preparing questions.
Lastly, prepare questions before speaking with A Professional.
Knowing what to ask allows the patient to be attentive to specific information during the procedure, or even to note any warnings or side effects related to the treatment. Patients can prepare questions regarding procedure, evidence based information, risks and benefits of the proposed treatment, regulation, costs, and alternatives.
All of the above are meant to assist in preparation before seeing a medical professional, not to enable self-diagnosis. A thorough understanding of medical conditions is not necessary, instead patients must focus on verifying evidence based information, distinguishing subjective information and being clear about concerns and questions during the professional visit.