At least initially, most care is self-care with over-the-counter drugs and medical supplies from the drugstore. With the advent of the Internet consumers have access to more information about a given disease or condition than their doctors would have time to explain to them. When informed patients discuss health conditions with their doctors, they start from a level of knowledge that allows them to discuss problems without reviewing the basics. I’m a firm believer in empowered patients. I’ve always believed that knowledgeable patients benefit both themselves and their doctors.