Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this Web site called Health Politics?
Health Politics explores topics that are often at the intersection of health and policy. Our programs are intended to help viewers better understand how health trends and practices affect not just individual lives, but society as a whole. Consumers, physicians and other health care professionals, insurance providers, and government are all interconnected in a system that is complex and, by its very nature, political. Our goal is to identify emerging issues and trends within the system so all of its participants can make better, more informed decisions.

Do I need permission to use material from this site, such as Power Point slides or a transcript?
We encourage viewers to download Health Politics materials for non-commercial use, without the need for permission. We do ask that material posted at Web sites or in publications be credited to Health Politics with the following credit line: "Reprinted courtesy of Health Politics. For more information, visit www.HealthPolitics.org." Health Politics materials cannot be used for commercial purposes without express written consent. If you have a question regarding commercial use, please contact Health Politics at Info@HealthPolitics.org.

Is Health Politics producing new programs?
Health Politics produced more than 180 programs between 2003 and 2007. Starting in the summer of 2007, Health Politics stopped producing new content but continues to be available as a weekly program. The homepage is being updated each week with one of the 182 programs in our archives. You can still subscribe to the program to receive an email alert when the homepage is updated, or we encourage you to access and use our archives directly. Each program in the archives includes a video, a transcript, related links, a downloadable mp3, and discussion guide questions, among other educational and informative tools.

How can I view a Health Politics show from last year?
All past Health Politics programs are listed under "View all Topics" on the homepage at www.healthpolitics.org.

What are the system requirements for viewing Dr. Magee's videos?
Health Politics requires Flash 8 or above.

How do I sign up for Health Politics?
From the Health Politics homepage, enter your e-mail address into "Subscribe to Health Politics." You will begin receiving an e-mail from "Health Politics" each Wednesday with a link to the weekly program.

Can I ask Dr. Magee a medical question?
As a part of our e-mail policy, neither Health Politics nor Dr. Magee dispenses specific advice to patients or caregivers about medical and health conditions. We encourage our viewers to seek advice from their personal physician.

I'm a teacher. Can I use Health Politics in the classroom?
Yes, Health Politics provides an excellent resource for teachers at both the high school and college level. All of our short video segments and related resources are archived and can be replayed in class or assigned to students for individual viewing. Each segment is accompanied by discussion questions, downloadable slides, a transcript and a list of other links to more information.

What is Dr. Magee doing now?
Dr. Magee introduced a new web site called Health Commentary in the fall of 2007, where you can continue to enjoy his writing and ideas on health care. Health Commentary is a forum for discussion that utilizes best practices in online communications and incorporates the most cutting-edge tools of Web 2.0 and Social Media -- blogs, wikis, online video, RSS feeds, etc. -- to create more interactive communication and robust, fast-moving online dialogue between the diverse voices in the health care debate. It takes advantage of today's booming blogosphere to create the web's first online community devoted to "health populism" - the idea that America's citizens should play the central role in making decisions about the future of their health care system.

I need Flash, where can I download it?
Adobe Flash Player is available as a free download at: http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash.

I need Acrobat Reader, where can I download it?
Adobe Acrobat Reader is available as a free download from at: http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/.

I need PowerPoint, where can I download it?
Microsoft PowerPoint can be purchased as part of Microsoft's Office line of products. However, a PowerPoint viewer is available as a free download from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/office/000/viewers.asp.