Patient Safety: Be Your Own Best Advocate
The more you know about your medical condition — and the treatments, the risks and possible complications you face — the better decisions you can make about your health care. Patients, their family members and friends can and should be active participants in health care.
When you go into a doctor's office or a hospital, be aware that you have a right to ask questions about your health and future.
- Selecting a doctor: Not all doctors are the same. Make the right choice.
- Selecting a hospital: Safety information about hospitals is available on the Internet.
- Questions to ask before a surgical procedure: Know what to expect before you go into surgery.
- Understanding informed consent: Before you agree to a procedure, know the risks.
- Warning signs: What are some signs that a particular doctor or hospital may not be right for you?
- The buddy system: Take a friend or relative with you to monitor your care.
- Take responsibility for your health: Don't leave your health care to chance. Take charge.
- Get a second opinion: Even if your insurance doesn't cover it, a second or third opinion is a good idea for most conditions and procedures.
- Be truthful about your condition: Be open and candid about your medical history.
- Follow doctor's instructions: Ask why, take notes and follow your doctor's advice.
- Demand accountability: If something goes wrong, demand honesty from your doctor.
- The fallacy of tort reform: When attorneys hold the health system accountable for their actions, everyone wins.
- The role of litigation: Lawsuits shine a bright light on patient safety issues and bring change to the system.
- Patient rights and responsibilities: Know how you can take an active role in your health and safety.
If you want to talk to a lawyer who is committed to patient safety, we welcome questions from concerned patients and families in Arizona and throughout the United States. Our goal: avoiding medical malpractice. Call the Patton Law Practice at 1-888-905-9208.
