You can help us continue to foster a safe environment by taking an active role in your care. Your doctor and healthcare team welcome your involvement.

Here are valuable tips for you and your family to help us ensure your health and safety:

Take an active role in your health care.

• Take part in all decisions about your treatment
• Share any special care needs that you have
• Ask a trusted family member or friend to accompany you when you visit your doctor if you are too ill or stressed to participate yourself
• Remember you are the center of the healthcare team

Ask questions and share your concerns.

You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care. To be sure you have all the information you need, it can help to write down questions to ask for the next time you visit the doctor.

Always identify yourself.

Be sure the healthcare professional asks for your name and birthdate. Also, don’t hesitate to inform the healthcare professional if you think he or she has confused you with another person.

Ask for information.

Healthcare workers should tell you what they plan to do before any procedure. Also, you can remind healthcare workers who have direct contact to wash their hands. Handwashing is an important way to prevent the spread of infection.

Bring a list of medications you are taking and mention any allergies you may have.

This list should include all over-the-counter medications, home remedies, herbal medications including tea, vitamins, and weight gain or loss products such as shakes, pills, or bars. Sometimes they can be dangerous when you take them with other medications.

Know what medications you are taking, why you are taking them, and potential side effects. Let the doctor and nurse know of any allergies and type of reaction or side effects you have. Also, be sure to ask questions about the medications you are prescribed during your appointment.