New Rule Announced by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Aims to Empower Patients

The empowered patient is a phrase that is often used to suggest a variety of activities that patients can engage in to allow their sense of access and control in certain situations to emerge.  This sometimes overused phrase seems particularly interesting to people with cancer who often report that waiting for lab results is a very stressful experience.  A new rule announced by the Secretary of Health and Human Services will allow patients to get their lab results directly from the labs where tests were conducted.  In announcing this new rule, Secretary Sebelius said “Information like lab results can empower patients to track their health progress, make decisions with their health care professionals and adhere to important treatment plans.”

To read the entire article,  follow the link to the USA Today story.