Little Gems of Wisdom...Learned & Earned the Hard Way!

Undergo any invasive treatment or procedure without first asking your doctor the following questions:-

Why do I need the procedure?

What other options are available?

What are the expected benefits of the procedure?

What are the known risks and complications of the procedure?

What does the procedure involve?

Who will perform the procedure?

How urgent is the procedure?

When will the procedure need to be done?

Can I expect a full recovery?

What after effects will there be?

Who will manage my treatment if complications occur?

Where will the procedure take place?

How long will a normal recovery take?

How long will I be in hospital/off work?

How much will the procedure cost me?

What are the lesser known risks of the procedure?

Will you read through and sign the Hospital Admission and Consent Forms with me?

Have you any written information on the procedure?

How many times have you performed this procedure?

What complications have occurred in your other patients?

Would you mind writing a Referral so that I can get a Second

Opinion before I make up my mind?

 Feel bad about taking up too much of the doctor's " valuble " time .

Your HEALTH is more valuable than anyone's time.

Ask questions,...take notes.

No reasonable doctor expects you to remember everything he's told you.

Don't concern yourself with the extra time you need to spend with your doctor in order to have your questions answered.

The doctor's staff will ensure that the account will be adjusted appropriately.

And remember, when you undergo an invasive procedure, or medical treatment , the doctor is providing a service to you , just like a plumber or any other service provider.

You pay a doctor to  provide that service to you....i.e. he works for you!

You are the reason he has his job in the first place.

You have a right to ask your doctor questions , in exactly the same way as you would ask your plumber.

 Undergo an invasive treatment or procedure without first checking your doctor's " profile ".

In the U.S.,  this can be done on-line at several URL's. (See Health Links page of this site.)

In other Countries, such as Australia, where this Site is maintained , plans are underway to list this information in the public domain , but currently, a phone call to the Medical Board of your State or Territory is necessary to request information on your doctor's credentials and history.

Feel justified in asking about his/her qualifications andwhether they have ever been called upon to appearbefore any Peer Tribunals , or have  been under any kind of ' practice ' or ' licence ' restrictions for past errors of  judgement.

Don't feel awkward for asking these questions. This doctoris not someone who knows and loves you.

He is a stranger who will have full and complete  responsibility over your body, whilst you are anaesthetised.

It's better to know the facts sooner rather than later , in  cases of Medical Error.

 Accept any medications or prescriptions from your doctor without first reminding him/her of your current medications and their dosages. 

If you don't know these...you should! 

Don't expect your doctor to remember your current medications , he has thousands of patients on hand.

And don't allow him to rely on the notes in your medical records.....these are sometimes not updated for years.

I was once offered a repeat prescription for a medication that I had not taken for 5 years. The doctor's records did not record the cessation of that particular drug.

**On a small card or notepaper write the names and dosages of ALL medications that you take regularly and carry it with you at all times , just like your driver's licence.

Drug Error is a major contributing factor in Medical Error Statistics.

If you are taken ill suddenly or injured unexpectedly, you will be asked by hospital staff, the names and dosages of all medications that you take regularly.

You will sometimes be asked ' why ' you are taking a particular medication.

In an emergency situation , you may be too , breathless , frightened or confused to give the information accurately. 

         Copyright Webmaster messup@optusnet.com.au   Modified  07-11-2002