Manage Your Health

What can we do to have a safer experience when managing our health?

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Become a more informed about your health:

Seek information about illnesses or conditions that affect you.
Research options and possible treatment plans.
Choose a doctor, clinic, pharmacy, and hospital experienced in the type of care you require.
Ask questions of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or benefits plan coordinator.
Seek more than one opinion.

Know your history

Write down your medical history including any medical conditions you have, illnesses, immunizations, allergies, hospitalizations, all medications and dietary supplements you’re taking, and any reactions or sensitivities you’ve experienced.
Write down the names and phone numbers of your doctors, clinics, and pharmacies for quick and easy reference.

Work Together

Share your health history with your care team.
Share up-to-date information about your care with everyone who’s treating you.
Make sure you understand the care and treatment you’ll be receiving. Ask questions if you’re not clear on your care.
Pay attention. If something doesn’t seem right, call it to the attention of your doctor or health care professional.
Discuss any concerns about your safety with your health care team.

Talk to a family member or friend

If you’re not able to observe or participate fully in your care, ask a family member or friend to assist. They can accompany you on appointments or stay with you, help you ask questions, understand care instructions and suggest your preferences.

Follow your doctor’s orders

Be sure you receive all instructions in writing and that you read and understand them and have information explained verbally.
Take medications exactly as prescribed.
Use home medical equipment and supplies only as instructed.
Report anything unusual to your doctor.

Prescriptions
Make sure that all of your doctors know about every medicine you are taking. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies and adverse reactions you have had to medicines. This can help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm you.

Ask for information about your medicines in terms you can understand-both when your medicines are prescribed and when you receive them.

What is the medicine for?
How am I supposed to take it, and for how long?
What side effects are likely?
What do I do if they occur?
Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?
What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
What is the best way to measure liquid medicine?

Surgery
If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done.

When you are being discharged from the hospital, ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home. This includes learning about your medicines and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities.

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 personal doctor, is in charge of your care. This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in a hospital.

Make sure that all health professionals involved in your care have important health information about you. Do not assume that everyone knows everything they need to.

Ask a family member or friend to be there with you and to be your advocate (someone who can help get things done and speak up for you if you can’t). Even if you think you don’t need help now, you might need it later.

Know that “more” is not always better. It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you.

If you have a test, don’t assume that no news is good news. Ask about the results.

The information on this site are not a substitute for professional medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.