"Diagnosis" highlights how U.S. patients can manage their care in creative ways—especially when traditional methods fail.

As TV tastes shift from sitcoms and medical melodramas to "reality" programming, it's no surprise that Netflix's new docuseries, Diagnosis, has risen in popularity. The show, based on The New York Times Magazine column of the same name, highlights individuals with rare or difficult-to-diagnosis conditions. The show draws viewers in with real-life stories and medical mysteries while simultaneously (and subtly) educating the public on how to navigate the complex U.S. health care system.

Hosted by Dr. Lisa Sanders, the column's writer, Diagnosis highlights how U.S. patients can manage their care in creative ways—especially when traditional methods fail and when the U.S. health care system makes it difficult to get the care they need. Diagnosis features seven stories, each showcasing important trends, lessons and challenges that most consumers experience when navigating today's health care landscape. Here are a few that health care pros and consumers alike can look out for:

1. Crowdsourcing diagnoses on the internet sounds suspicious but can be a cost-effective option. In fact, it's not a far cry from online communities such as PatientsLikeMe. By connecting with other doctors and members of the medical community, as well as individuals sharing the same or similar symptoms, patients can often reach a diagnosis faster by identifying areas of focus. Not only can this bring faster relief of symptoms (or even a cure), but by reaching a solution more quickly, patients can save themselves—and their health plans—money on unnecessary or ineffective tests and treatments.