APPENDICES : Introduction to the AfterShock Appendices

The appendices in AfterShock present a selection of good resources for people to personalize the ideas I discuss in the book.

But as people become more interested in health — and as their health plans and employers require them to become more active "consumers" of health care — the number of Web sites, books and services that provide support and help rapidly expands.

In order to ensure that you and other readers of the book have access to the best information currently available as you are getting oriented to your disease and the health care system while juggling your responsibilities and changing plans, I will be regularly updating the appendices with new information.

I am also interested in hearing from you about new and useful information sources and services that you think will be helpful to others during this time.

The Appendices — Last Update June 2010

A: Starting to Learn about Your Disease
B: Digging Deeper: A Guide to Greater Expertise
C: Books on Family and Illness
D: Finding the Right Doctors and Hospitals
E: Clinical Trials and Second Opinion Services
F: A Short Course on Medical Privacy
G: A Guide to Health Care Professionals
H: Disease-Specific Nonprofit Organizations
I: Keeping Up with Financial and Administrative Matters