Your Health Care Team
Taking an Active Role in Your Care
"They encourage you to
ask questions so you're comfortable with everything you're
experiencing."
- Walter Krochmal,
hip replacement patient
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You are a partner with our staff in improving your health and well
being. We hope you will feel comfortable asking questions and sharing
your concerns.
Please review our
health care checklist:
- Make sure all medicines you take are intended for you. Your
nurse should check your identity by looking at your wristband
before giving any medicine. Before the nurse administers the medicine,
ask the nurse the name of the medicine. Your medication schedule
while you are in the hospital, which is ordered by your physician,
may differ slightly from your schedule at home.
- Make sure those caring for you have washed their hands. Hand
washing is important to prevent the spread of infection.
- If you are having surgery, make sure you and your doctor are
clear about the details of the procedure. Write down all your
questions so you remember to ask them during the visit with your
physician.
 Understand
your treatment plan and what you should and should not do when
you return home. Ask questions and repeat the answers back to
your caregivers to ensure that you understand. All too often miscommunication
and misunderstanding occurs on the part of both physicians and
patients. Make sure your caregiver at home understands the treatment
plan and is able to take care of your health needs. If not, please
tell your nurse or case manager.
- Be sure to share your important health information with all
health professionals involved in your care. Keep a copy of your
health history, including prior illnesses, tests and test results,
surgeries, medicines and other treatments. Share it with your
health care provider.
- Find out why a test or treatment is required. Ask about the
results of your tests. If you don't receive your test results
within the timeframe your doctor advised, ask your nurse.
Related links for more information:
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