Check for the following to spot credible websites:

1. The URL suffix. Usually sites ending in .com are commercial sites, .edu are educational sites, .gov are government, .org are nonprofit and .mil are military. However, anyone can publish a site using a suffix that is misleading. Search through the site to check out its legitimacy before trusting it.
2. Who is the author of the site? This information is often found in the “About” link. Look for specific credentials and other published works. Do an internet search for the author’s name and other publications or sites.
3. What kind of information does the site have? Has it been recently updated? What does it link to? Are other reliable sources used?
4. What is the site’s purpose? Evaluate if the site is trying to sell you something. For example, some sites related to health conditions want to sell you a supplement rather than give you unbiased information.

Most health care providers make you complete lengthy questionnaires about your history, habits, etc. Have you considered taking a similar approach with them? Instead of questioning the provider about their credentials — hopefully, you’ve done that before the appointment — prepare a list of questions about your condition, treatment options and concerns.

Viewing your health care providers as part of a team puts you in the driver’s seat for decisions about your care. The following questions are based on information found at The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality.

1. What condition is the test, procedure or treatment addressing?
2. Why do I need this test, procedure or treatment?
3. How many times have you performed this test, procedure or treatment?
4. When can I expect results?
5. Are there any alternatives?
6. What are the possible complications? What if I decline this test, treatment or procedure?
7. Which health care facility (hospital, out-patient center, etc.) is best for my needs?
8. How do you spell the name of that test, treatment or procedure?
9. Are there any side effects?
10. Will this test, treatment or procedure interact with anything else I’m already taking or doing?

After you’ve asked questions, you can say “no” to a treatment plan. This is a valid decision that comes down to your comfort with proposed treatment.

By seeking reliable information and verifying the information she received, the patient in this video received a correct diagnosis and feels better than ever. View her video below.

Get reliable information when considering a treatment option or a health care provider. Use these resources to help your search:

• Center for Disease Control (CDC). Treatment options and preventive actions for certain diseases and conditions.
• Healthfinder.gov. Among other topics offered at this U.S. Department of Health and Human Services site is MyHealthFinder suggesting preventive services for you based on age.
• State Health and Human Services. Your state’s Health and Human Services department has valuable information related to certificates, licenses, permits and safety ratings. Many states include information about treatments and preventive services.
• Hospital Compare. The U.S. government’s hospital safety rating site.
• The Leapfrog Group. This national nonprofit organization focuses on quality and safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Survey and Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade provide information for consumer protection and safety.

Finding health care pricing can be difficult. Completing your research before treatment gives you the ability to discuss prices with health providers. If you are insured, speak with your insurer or a human resources representative. Knowing the Medicare rate or what typical insurers pay helps the uninsured and individuals going out of network, disputing a bill or wanting to negotiate for services. Ultimately, asking for a “cash price” may be your best option no matter your insurance status.

For health care pricing, consult multiple sources, such as:

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) — A tool to search for provider information on payments for typical services and procedures. This is helpful information for negotiations.
• Prescription drug cost comparison sites, including your own health care provider and third-party sites such as GoodRx.com, which offers coupons and savings tips no matter your insurance coverage status.
• Hospital Compare — Federal government site which contains exhaustive safety information about U.S. hospitals.