When to Dump Your Doc

Seven quack ideas doctors pass on to patients

(NEWSER) - Some medical misconceptions are so widespread that even doctors believe them. LiveScience rounds up the seven biggest myths, according to the British Medical Journal:

1. We only use 10% of our brains
2. You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day
3. Fingernails and hair grow after death

Physicians irked at nurses' doctoral status

(NEWSER) - A doctoral degree for nurses has sparked a backlash from physicians, who say referring to nurses by the title "doctor" could be confusing to patients, NPR reports. “I can just imagine a patient walking into my exam room and saying, ‘Now, Dr. Smith, are you a doctor doctor, or are you a doctor nurse?'” says one physician. But some nurses say they deserve the title after completing the 6-year program. More»

Advanced degrees, 'hybrid practitioners' raise questions

(NEWSER) - As part of the effort to counter the worsening doctor shortage, some 200 American nursing schools plan to train "hybrid practitioners" with doctorates in nursing practice who can function as independent primary care givers. But even as the concept of the DNP catches on, some physicians and nurse practitioners are raising red flags about the “doctor-nurse” designation, reports the Wall Street Journal. More»

Always seek out a second opinion after these tricky diagnoses

(NEWSER) - When diagnosis is difficult, the procedure is risky, or less-invasive alternatives are available, a second opinion is essential. CNN lists five diagnoses that should send up red flags:

1. Heart-bypass surgery: Alternatives may be better for some patients.
2. Hysterectomy: The uterus isn't always the problem, and when it is, less dramatic alternatives are available.

Hospital and med bills don't have to cost an arm and a leg. Lower your blood pressure with these tips from MSNBC .

(NEWSER) - Avoid financial injury by following these ten tips from MSNBC:

1. Shop for tests. Different labs may vary widely in costs.
2. Negotiate. Hospitals may waive or reduce a co-pay fee if the patient can prove that it's a hardship.
3. Question the necessity of follow-up appointments, X-rays or MRIs.