Patient Safety

• Participate in every decision regarding your health care. If you're unable or uncomfortable to talk with your provider, a family member or friend may accompany you and speak on your behalf.
• Tell your provider about your medications, allergies and any adverse reactions you have to medications.
• Keep a record of all your medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.
• Ask what your prescribed medication does and the possible side effects.
• Know when and how to take your medications.
• Learn as much as you can about your illness, condition, treatment plan and any tests your doctor may conduct.
• If you need surgery, make sure you and the surgeon agree on exactly what is going to be done, including the surgeon marking the surgical site.
• Ask your provider when, where and how you will get the results of a procedure or test.