First Name:

Last Name:

Telephone:

Email:

Address:

City:

State:

Zipcode:

Incident Details:

form base
Home » Consumer Information » Health & Living

Steps to Safer Health

Steps to Safer Health Care Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery.

Steps to Safer Health

Keep these tips in mind to enhance your healthcare experience. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

  • Ask questions if you have issues of concern or uncertainty.
  • When you get answers, make sure you understand them.
  • Choose a doctor that you get a good vibe from and feel comfortable communicating with.
  • Bring a close friend or family member with you to initiate conversation, come up with questions you may not think of on your own, and help you understand the feedback the doctor provides.

Keep track of your medication.

  • Maintain a list of all medication you are taking.
  • Make a list available to your doctor or pharmacist of all your medication, including nonprescription meds.
  • Notify health professionals of any drug allergies you are aware of.
  • Inquire about side effects and any activities that may conflict with the medication.
  • Read the label, including all warnings, on your product packaging.
  • Be sure your medication is what the doctor prescribed, and you understand how to use it.
  • If your medication looks different than what you thought, get a pharmacist's opinion.

Stay on top of test results.

  • Request results of all tests and procedures.
  • Find out when and how you will receive the results.
  • Don't assume test results are normal if you don't get immediate results by mail, by phone, or in person.
  • Call your doctor if results seem delayed.
  • Ask how these results will be dealt with and whether they will impact your lifestyle.

Choose the healthcare facility for you.

  • Discuss which hospital best suits your needs with your physician.
  • Find out from your doctor which hospital proves the best care and results for your condition if there is more than one to pick from.
  • Be sure you have a grasp on the instructions you are given regarding follow-up care prior to leaving the hospital.

Understand the surgical process.

  • Be sure you, your primary care doctor, and your surgeon concur on all aspects of the operation.
  • Find out from your doctor who will monitor your care during your hospital stay.
  • Ask your surgeon how the course of events will unfold, how long it will take, what happens following surgery, and what you will feel up to doing during the recovery period.
  • Don't forget to notify your surgeon, anesthesiologist, and their accompanying nurses about what current medication you are taking, reactions to anesthesia, and any allergies you may have.