Health Literacy: How to Read Medical Information
HSChange Editorial Team
Health Policy Research Team, Consumer Health Guidance
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, MD, MPH, Board-Certified Internal Medicine
Last updated: April 4, 2026
Only 12% of American adults have proficient health literacy, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. About 36% have basic or below-basic skills, meaning they struggle with medication labels, appointment instructions, and discharge papers. Low health literacy costs the healthcare system an estimated $106 to $236 billion annually through higher hospitalization rates, more ER visits, and poorer medication adherence.
What Health Literacy Means
Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use health information to make decisions. That includes reading a prescription label, understanding a doctor's instructions, filling out medical forms, interpreting test results, and evaluating whether health information you find online is reliable.
Trusted Sources for Health Information
MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov) is the NIH's consumer health resource. It covers 1,000+ health topics written at a 6th to 8th grade reading level in English and Spanish, updated daily. CDC.gov has condition-specific information. The FDA provides Drug Facts labels on all OTC medications and Medication Guides for prescription drugs with serious risks. Your doctor's office or hospital should also provide written instructions you can take home.
How to Get More from Doctor Visits
Write your questions down before the appointment. Bring a list of all medications you take (including over-the-counter and supplements). Ask the doctor to explain anything you don't understand in plain language. Use the "teach-back" method: repeat back what the doctor told you in your own words to confirm you understood correctly. Studies show teach-back reduces 30-day hospital readmissions by 12 to 15%. Don't leave the office confused.
Red Flags in Online Health Information
No author or credentials listed. No sources cited. Claims that a product cures everything. Testimonials instead of data. Pressure to buy something. If you find health information online, check whether it comes from a .gov, .edu, or recognized medical organization. Cross-reference claims against MedlinePlus or CDC.gov. And always discuss what you read with your doctor before making treatment decisions based on it.