The following tips for patients are adapted from information published by the Joint Commission on Healthcare Organizations that can also be found here:
Ask Questions.
Speak up if you have concerns. It's okay to ask questions and to expect answers you can understand. Choose a doctor who you feel comfortable talking with regarding your health and treatment. If necessary, take a relative or friend with you to help you ask questions and understand the answers.
Keep a List of the Medications You are Taking.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins and herbal medications, as well as any drug allergies you may have. Check with your pharmacist to see whether there are side effects to the medication you are taking and whether you should avoid certain foods or activities while taking the medication. Read the label on the medication bottle, including the warnings listed. Make sure it's the medication your doctor ordered and that you know how to use it. If the medication looks different than you expected, ask the pharmacist about it.
Keep Track of Your Test Results.
Make sure you get the results of all tests and procedures performed. Ask the doctor or nurse when and how you will get the results. Don't assume the results are okay if you don't get them when expected. Call the doctor and ask what the results mean.
Choose a Hospital That Best Meets Your Needs.
If you need hospital care, talk with your doctor about your care options. If you have more than one hospital to choose from, ask the doctor which hospital has the best care for your condition. Hospitals do a good job of treating a wide range of problems. Before you leave the hospital, ask about follow-up care and understand all instructions.
Understand What Will Take Place During Surgery.
Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery. You, your doctor and surgeon should all agree on exactly what will be done during the operation. Tell the surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurses if you have allergies or have ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia. Ask the surgeon who will take charge of your care while you're in the hospital. Ask your doctor what he will be doing during the surgery, how long the surgery will take, what will happen after the surgery, and how you can expect to feel during recovery.