About the author: April James is the Director of Business Development and Volunteer Services at Habersham Medical Center in Demorest. She’s the author of Now Habersham’s new monthly series, “Healthy Living with HMC” which focuses on bringing you timely, relevant information to assist with your healthcare planning, management and needs.
Hospitals across the nation will celebrate Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 8 – 14, with the theme “United in Safety.” This is a special week started by the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) to focus on patient engagement and to emphasize the importance of the relationship between providers, patients and patients’ family members.
While health care providers work hard to keep you healthy, the main person responsible for your health is YOU. Be an educated patient. Learn all you can, know what medicines you are taking and ask questions.
Patient safety tips
Here are some tips to keep you aware, active and alert when it comes to your health:
- Ask questions. Health care providers do not know that you don’t understand unless you ask questions. If you have trouble remembering, take a family member with you, so he or she can help you recall what the doctor said.
- Keep a list of all your medications as well as any vitamins or over-the-counter medicines you take on a regular basis and give this list to your doctor and pharmacist at each visit.
- Always tell or remind your doctor(s) about your health history.
- If additional tests are recommended, make sure you know your health insurance rules and requirements. Some plans may require pre-certification or prior approval. Also, make sure you know why the test or treatment is needed and how it can help you.
- Get the results of all your medical tests. Do not think that results are okay just because you have not heard from your doctor.
For a free medication card that you can use to keep an updated list of all your medications, allergies, etc. email [email protected] or call (706) 754-3113, ext. 1106.
About Habersham Medical Center:
Recognized throughout the state for innovative award-winning patient care, Habersham Medical Center offers Northeast Georgians a full-range of award-winning healthcare services in a newly-expanded modern facility. In addition to emergency, diagnostic and inpatient services, Habersham Medical Center also offers a pain management clinic; a sleep lab; HCMC Home Care; the Total Fitness Exercise Facility; physical, speech and occupational therapy; a primary care clinic called Prime Care, WorkWise Occupational Health and more. For more information, visit www.habershammedical.com.
