Consumer tips

Hospital or clinic visits

Bring a family member or friend who knows your medical history, can ask questions on your behalf and can offer you the comfort and support needed to promote a return to good health.

Bring medicines

Bring medicines or a list of medications you are taking to every appointment, including prescribed medications and over-the-counter medications and supplements.

Be active and speak up

• Share medical information. Write down and carry important medical information with you, including a list of allergies, existing medical conditions and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of primary health care providers. Keep a list of your medical history, office visits and medication use.
• Make sure you know what medicines you should take. Know what has been ordered for your care and ask questions if medicines appear to be different.
• Wash hands. Patients, family members and caregivers should wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection.
• Know who is in charge of your care. This is especially important in a hospital. Ask if your primary physician will be at the hospital.
• Write down any questions you have and take notes about medications, follow-up care, lab tests or other diagnostic tests and treatment plans.