Customer Reviews

The Johns Hopkins Consumer Guide to Medical Tests: What You Can Expect, How You Should Prepare, What Your Results Mean

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4 star:		(1)
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Target reader Those 50 and up who are likely to be sent for medical tests.

Premise Your doctor recommends a lab test or diagnostic screening. You don't have a clue what you're in for or why. This is where the book takes over.

High Marks Impressive pedigree. Clear and accessible rundowns of more than 170 lab, home, screening and diagnostic tests (e.g., lipid profile, renal biopsy, scrotal ultrasound), presented alphabetically. Descriptions include test purpose, patient preparation, risks and concerns, cost range and more. Labeled, color illustrations of major body systems (cardiovascular, digestive, etc.) help pinpoint target areas.

Low Marks A "results" box in each write-up describes the diagnostic process and what tests or treatments may follow. But it offers no information on how to interpret test results. So if you're looking for help in questioning your doctor's interpretation -- or even knowing what "normal" ranges are - you won't find it here. Further, the index at the front of the book lacks page references, so once you find a test there, you have to turn to the index at the back of the book to get the page number.

Dr. Simeon Margolis' Consumer Guide To Medical Tests provides a detailed overview of the latest medical tests; from what to expect from them to how to interpret results. Unusual in this presentation are general costs, and tips on special health care requirements after the test.

Thorough, comprehensive, easy to use, with all of the latest tests explained clearly for the average person who wants to know what is being tested for, how much it will cost, and what to look for and expect after the test. An essential book for your health library.