March 15, 2008
What Can You Do?
Be Involved in Your Health Care
Medicines
- Make sure that all of your doctors know about everything you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
- Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines. This can help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm you.
- When your doctor writes you a prescription, make sure you can read it.
- Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand-both when your medicines are prescribed and when you receive them: What is the medicine for? How am I supposed to take it, and for how long? What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur? Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking? What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
- When you pick up your medicine from the pharmacy, ask: Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed?
- If you have any questions about the directions on your medicine labels, ask.
- Ask your pharmacist for the best device to measure your liquid medicine. Also, ask questions if you're not sure how to use it.
- Ask for written information about the side effects your medicine could cause.
Hospital Stays
- If you have a choice, choose a hospital at which many patients have the procedure or surgery you need.
- If you are in a hospital, ask all health care workers who have direct contact with you whether they have washed their hands.
- When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.
Surgery
- If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done.
Other Steps You Can Take
- Speak up if you have questions or concerns. You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.
- Make sure that someone, such as your personal doctor, is in charge of your care.
- Make sure that all health professionals involved in your care have important health information about you.
- Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and to be your advocate (someone who can help get things done and speak up for you if you can't). Even if you think you don't need help now, you might need it later.
- Know that "more" is not always better. Find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.
