The topic of medical errors is frequently in the news today. Various estimates suggest as many as 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals as a result of misdiagnosis, misprescription, and inappropriate or botched procedures. What can you, the patient, do, to help keep yourself from becoming a statistic?
First, COMMUNICATE with your doctor. Do you understand your treatment? What your prescriptions are for? Does your doctor have a list of EVERY medication and "herbal/dietary supplement" you are taking?
Eighty-eight percent of medical errors involve medications. Do you know the names of your medications? Are you clear on what each is supposed to do? Have you asked about possible side effects and drug interactions? Have you asked about dosage amounts? Would you recognize a prescription error, at least enough to ask why the change?
Some conditions, treatments and/or medications can be disorienting. Do you have a family member or friend who can be your "advocate," when you are unable to speak for yourself?
When something feels excessive, unreasonable, or just "a big step to take," you have a right to seek a second opinion. Do you know how to do this? You have a right to hear or see your test results. Ask for an explanation.
A more complete outline of what you can do to help prevent medical errors is available online at: www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tips.htm
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