title: A consumer-empowered response to direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs.
abstract: Welcome to "Consumer-Centered Care." In this column we examine health care quality issues from the consumer's point of view. Our focus on quality highlights, not only how consumers can find quality providers and quality information, but also how patients can help their doctors provide the best treatments and avoid medical mistakes. We bring you news and views, ideas and opinions on what is right and what is wrong in consumer health. Any practice, procedure, or approach that does not meet the consumer's best interest is open to review. We welcome your comments and suggestions for future discussion. Send your ideas to consumercenteredcare@healthwise.org.
authors.forename: Donald W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Kemper
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mettler
mesh_terms: D000329:Advertising / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000191:economics; D004346:Drug Information Services / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000517:prevention & control; D011209:Power, Psychological; D013660:Taxes; D014481:United States