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Alpiar, Hal, MBA

The book contains no figures.

Karen Nardella

This book is meant to be a consumer guide for evaluating and selecting a physician. The author aims to help the general public find the doctor that best suits their needs. He also intends to help consumers communicate better with healthcare providers and overcome the intimidation many experience. The intended audience, as evidenced by the title, is the layperson. The first and largest section is a glossary of definitions and credentialing requirements of various types of healthcare professionals. The remainder of the book, divided into chapters, reviews facets of evaluation and communication with physicians. The author describes step-by-step how to evaluate a doctor's training, his/her track record, and even the receptionist and office decor. Also detailed are specific communication skills and a sample observation survey that could be copied for reuse. Given that currently we are experiencing a great deal of change in the healthcare system, the author has worthy goals. However, Mr. Alpiar's cynical and sometimes comical view of doctors renders this book completely ineffective. After reading this book, I would think many readers would be afraid to go to the doctor, much less choose a doctor. The author's attitude serves to undermine the doctor/patient relationship rather than improve it.