ABOUT THE NPTN CLINIC 
 
Welcome to THE NPTN CLINIC. In this area, you will find a  
wealth of medical information. The purpose of this area is  
provide material for personal and community education.  
Although it may be tempting to use this medium for individual  
issues, do not rely on computer-based data to diagnose or  
treat medical conditions.  The only safe way to take care of a  
medical problem is by direct, face-to-face, consultation with a
doctor.  
 
The Clinic is divided into several sections, relating to  
different aspects of health care.  All sections have a  
question and answer area where you can write in questions and  
have them answered by an expert in that field.  All questions  
will be posted anonymously, so that no one can tell who wrote  
the question.  This allows the questioner to ask about things  
that might be very personal without concerns about  
embarrassment. Some Clinics may also have information files  
and FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) areas. 
 
The NPTN CLINIC is staffed by volunteer experts in various  
locations throughout the world.  Because these individuals  
have other full-time responsibilities, it may take several  
days for questions to be answered and posted. 
 
The material in this area is the sole property of the authors  
and or contributors as indicated by either their full name,  
partial name, and or e-mail address.  The material is  
copyrighted as of the date of its submission by the author and  
or contributor to this special interest group ("SIG") area.   
Use (except for personal, one time use) of the material  
without the prior permission of the author or contributor is a  
violation of copyright law.  Violators will be prosecuted and  
will have their access to this system terminated immediately.   
Use of this SIG demonstrates one's consent to the foregoing.   
All questions regarding copyright policy may be directed to  
the SIG moderator or to Peter F. Harter (pfh@nptn.org) for  
prompt consideration.  In addition, it is important for all  
users to report the misconduct of another user with respect to  
copyright and all other rules and laws governing and or  
touching upon the operation of this SIG and or the system as a  
whole.  Thank you for your cooperation in these matters. 
 
Specific questions concerning any area within THE NPTN CLINIC  
can be directed to the individual Clinic sysops or to the NPTN  
Medical Director, Richard E. Gans, M. D. (reg@nptn.org)