We all hope to be healthy forever, but in any case (though we shouldn't need it) - it is very important to know: Why is medical counseling necessary?

We live today in the age of wise medical consumerism. A person has both the right and the responsibility to be a discriminating, aware consumer. He should be able to choose for himself the medical agent who will treat him, and to be an active partner in medical decisions that affect him. The medical counselor helps him accomplish these goals.

Medical counseling in Israel developed out of needs in the field. Many families of patients felt that they lacked an appropriate address, one they could turn to with questions and from whom they would receive clear answers. The medical counselor would serve as a link connecting them to the medical staff. Since that time, the job of the medical counselor has expanded to include helping the patient and his family in coping with the various obstacles that block them from becoming wise health consumers.

The counselor is familiar with most of the differences that exist between the available care givers. Therefore, he can recommend the doctor or treatment method that is best for every individual. He acquires his vast knowledge by being constantly updated by new medical literature, and by keeping track of successful hospitals and doctors in Israel and around the world.

Today, as the medical field advances at a rapid pace, the number of treatment options for a person to choose from for every problem is constantly on the rise. Innovative methods develop that simplify the treatment process and reduce the risks involved. These methods are carried out in specific medical centers and by specialized doctors. The medical counselor informs the patient of all available options and refers him to the leading medical centers and doctors treating his specific problem.

The need for an agent who can refer the patient to the right doctor for his specific problem flows also from the low level of public awareness of sub-specializations in medicine. Recently, this awareness has increased somewhat, but it is still not high enough. Sub-specialization is very important and cannot be ignored. Both medicine and technology are constantly advancing at a rapid pace. It is virtually impossible in this age of the "information superhighway" for anyone to have mastery of all medical fields or even of one complete medical field. Therefore, in order for the doctor to keep informed of the most updated information from professional literature, he has to focus on a specific field within his specialization. The doctor's clinical skills in diagnosis and treatment are honed as he concentrates on a more focused medical area.

As in other fields, many recommendations today are motivated by economic considerations. At times, the direction of the information is determined by a clear bias. Business companies advertise new treatments and technologies that are profitable to them, though they may not be best for the patient. Economic considerations bear upon doctors, medical centers and health insurance funds as well. Due to budgetary constrictions, they cannot always offer the patient the full range of appropriate medical options.

In our day and age, many lawsuits claiming medical malpractice are filed in courts. Sometimes, the medical practice appears to have changed its identity to "Legal medicine." For example, tests are sometimes done for patients that could have been waived, but the doctor refers them to these tests anyway, in order to avert the risk of a future lawsuit. The medical counselor can help us decide whether to do these tests or not.

There are very few medical fields in which there is one "best doctor". Usually, in every field there are a number of excellent doctors. Alongside them, however, there are "doctors in the headlines" - doctors who have a knack of gaining media coverage. The general population often seeks these well-known physicians. The counselor knows to refer the patient to the doctors who are the best, not necessarily the most famous.

In especially difficult and rare cases, the patient is sometimes best off considering the option of traveling abroad for treatment. Needless to say, the medical counselor has the necessary information and connections for overseas care as well.

In short, consulting a good, professional, available medical counselor noticeably increases our chances of reaching the best and most suitable medical care for our needs!