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Regional
Medical Libraries
If you come across a journal article abstract for which you would like
to get the full-text article, you can order them online through Lonesome
Doc or contact your regional medical library directly. Some libraries
will give you free online access to many of their databases and recommended
weblinks; for a small annual fee, you may also be able to get access to
the more expensive databases they subscribe to. Regional medical libraries
are open to the general public who may use the available resources there
to do research on health issues. Many RML have staff who are able to fill
information requests for those unable to get to the RML Contact your RML
to find out what services and resources they have available and what fees,
if any, are associated with them.
Medical
Information Bureau, Inc. (MIB)
You aren't crazy--they really are talking about you! Exchanging information
about you and your family, too. If you are covered under a group insurance
plan, chances are the insurance company is reporting on all services and
diagnoses they have paid on you and your covered family members. This
information is used by other insurance companies when you apply for coverage
with them. Find out what exactly it is that they are finding out about
you. Call and get a copy of their information request form, or send a
letter including your name (and any other name by which you may have obtained
medical services during the past 7 years), your social security number,
and current address. The processing of your information request generally
takes 6 weeks. You will get confirmation of receipt of your request before
then.
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