Finding a doctor What kind of doctor do you need for your situation. Traits you would like to have in a doctor and why? *Brainstorm How would you go about finding a doctor? Insurance
Medical Errors What causes medical mistakes and how they can be prevented? Negligence by a doctor Pharmacist mistake Laboratory mistakes Hospital mistakes Surgical mistakes
Do not delay reporting symptoms Report all medicines you are taking As a patient how can you contribute to your own successful medical care? Report all symptoms Do not delay reporting symptoms Report all medicines you are taking Report any alternative medicines or drugs you might be taking or use Be compliant with treatment plans or medicines
Continued Be honest Inform doctor of your lifestyle Admit if you have failed to follow treatments Do not pressure doctor to prescribe certain treatments-sleeping pills, antibiotics, behavioral drugs Read medication labels and instructions fully
Questions to ask and answer about medicine What is the dosage? How many times a day do I take it and when? Should the drug be continued or stopped when symptoms are better? Should drug be taken before, with or after meals? Should I avoid alcohol or other food or drugs?
continued Will the condition resolve without treatment? Is there an over the counter alternative? Is a generic substitute available? What are the side effects and what to do if they occur? How many times may I refill my prescription?