Every year, thousands of mistakes are made in hospitals across the country. If you are preparing to have surgery in one of Washington’s hospitals soon, you might understandably worry that you could contract an infection, suffer a post-surgical complication or become a victim of a medical error. At Miracle Pruzan & Pruzan, we would like to help you avoid surgical errors whenever possible.
The scope of medical errors is unfortunately widespread. One out of every seven patients on Medicare suffers a medical error, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. What measures can you take to keep something bad from happening to you during your stay in the hospital, or soon after you go home?
- Before your surgery, go over the procedure with your doctor and make sure you understand what is entailed, as well as what to do during your recovery.
- If possible, choose a hospital with experience in the procedure you will have, as well as a good track record overall.
- Let your doctor know about any medications and supplements you are taking, and double-check all prescriptions with your pharmacist. Understand the possible side effects and make sure you know how much medication to take and how often.
- Have a family member or friend you trust come with you to your appointments and visit your room post-surgery so you have someone to help if you need it.
- Educate yourself on your upcoming procedure so you know what to expect and how to recognize any complications that might arise.
Taking charge of your own health may reduce the chances of a hospital error complicating your recovery. You can learn more about doctor mistakes by visiting our site.