Medical errors are one of the leading causes of death and injury.

The most important way you can help prevent errors is to be an active member of your health care team or seek help from professional Medical Case Management companies to help you navigate the healthcare system. This means that you should take part in each decision about your health. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care tend to get better results.

• If you can, choose a hospital at which many patients have the procedure or surgery you need. Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a lot of practice with their condition
• You should ensure that you research to select the best doctor, the one who is qualified, experienced in your medical condition
• Before surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done. This can prevent errors and confusion during and after surgery
• When you get discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home This includes learning about your medicines and knowing when you can return to normal life
• Research shows that at discharge time, doctors think their patients understand more than they really do.
  Take charge of your health care
• 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 primary doctor, is in charge of your care. This is especially important if you have several, on-going health problems
• Seek help from professional Medical Case Management companies or ask a family member or friend to coordinate your health and speak up for you

Learn more about your conditions, tests, and treatments.

•  Gather as much information as you can from your doctor. In some cases, you may want to get a second opinion. You can do research on your own or seek help from the professional Case Management companies to make sure you understand your problems and options.
•  Know that “more” is not always better. Find out why you need a test or treatment and how it can help you. You could be better off without it
• If you have a test, don’t assume that no news is good news. Follow up to get the results
• Ask your doctor if your treatment is based on the latest evidence. You also can ask your doctor about new trials or studies

Questions to ask your doctor

• Do I have a health condition?
• What tests do I need to confirm the condition?
• What are my treatments options? What are the pros and cons of each option?
• Are there new trials or studies that I should consider?
• Do I need to take medicines? If so, what do you recommend?
•  What is the medicine for, or what does it treat?
• For how long do I need to take the medicine?
• Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines?
•  If I need surgery, what is the plan before, during, and after the procedure?

Med Access is a Medical Case Management company which helps patients in easy navigation of the healthcare system.

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This article was contributed by familydoctor.org editorial staff.