Navigating the US healthcare system is often confusing and intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Leslie D. Michelson, CEO of Private Health Management, offers advice on how to get the most out of healthcare and how the system works in her new book, The Patient's Playbook.

If you have significant problems, contact critical medical institutions. Community hospitals are extraordinary facilities that can do great things. Still, for complex issues and procedures (pancreas, esophagus, neurosurgery, lung surgery, major cancer surgery, endocrine surgery, or heart surgery, for example), you want to be cared for in a large institution with major one's Deals with lots of similar business. And here is a little-known peculiarity of our system: In medicine, it often costs nothing to get better care.

Most Americans live within 100 miles of a large metropolis. Almost every major city has a networked academic medical center or respected hospital with specialists and surgeons who accept Medicare and most insurance types. Unfortunately, we know that there is a vast difference in the price of the same procedures in different health centers. Still, there is no correlation between this variance and the quality of care you receive. Unlike clothing, airlines, or hotels, higher costs don't necessarily mean better quality medicine. Traveling for treatment can be difficult for many people. However, if you face a serious illness or need technically demanding procedures, you should consider going to the nearest large hospital that is more likely to have the experience and knowledge to get the best result.

Develop a strong bond with your GP. How is your current relationship with your internist? Do you trust and respect her, and do you feel comfortable telling her the secrets that affect your health? If you experience various symptoms, is there someone who stays busy until the two of you can diagnose the problem and determine the best treatment plan? As you build this relationship, you will connect with someone who will invest in your long-term well-being and work hard to get you to the proper checkups. If you don't have a doctor treating you, drive without a seat belt.

Do an emergency inventory. Make lists for yourself and your family members with the following information:

 1. Important diagnoses and operations;

 2. allergies; 

3. All medications and supplements you are taking;

 4. A list of your doctors;;

 5. A person who can be contacted in an emergency. Keep this information in your wallet or purse. This is the first place an emergency team looks for an unconscious patient.

Measure twice, cut once. This is a rule of thumb in carpentry where only one piece of wood is involved. Shouldn't that apply to your care? Misdiagnosis contributes to the death or disability of 80,000 to 160,000 Americans each year, according to a 2013 Johns Hopkins study. Before agreeing to surgery and other treatments, ask independent pathologists or radiologists to read your pathology correction, analyze laboratory tests or scans to make sure you have a correct diagnosis. Then, consult an expert on your condition (e.g., not a general neurologist, but a multiple sclerosis specialist) to get a different opinion about your situation and your treatment options. Expertscape.com is a great online tool for finding doctors dedicated to your problem. Large philanthropic organizations can also provide advice and resources.

Hire a health quarterback. Medicine is the only team function where there is no leader. You may have a brilliant internist, accomplished oncologist, and other top-notch doctors, but no one makes sure your caregivers move in a coordinated manner toward the same goal. Tomorrow, when you wake up to find that you have a life-threatening illness, who do you trust most when you are by your side during doctor visits, taking notes, and asking questions you just can't think about? -do not be? Who could help you find the right specialists and research the latest drugs and clinical studies that might help you? Think about whom you can reliably turn to and ask one or more of them to be your health quarterback.

""People always say, "How can I get someone to try to do this?" The idea of bringing my cousin on my dates makes me uncomfortable." But you've probably asked a friend or family member to act as a guardian for your children if necessary to perform. It's a similar way of helping someone navigate the healthcare system with confidence.