20 Five Steps to a Safer Health Care

3. Make sure you get the results of any test or procedure. Ask your doctor or nurse when and how you will get the results of tests or procedures. If you do not get them when expected—in person, on the phone, or in the mail—don't assume the results are fine. Call your doctor and ask for them. Ask what the results mean for your care.

4. Talk with your doctor and health care team about your options if you need hospital care. If you have more than one hospital to choose from, ask your doctor which one has the best care and results for your condition. Hospitals do a good job of treating a wide range of problems. However, for some procedures (such as heart bypass surgery), research shows results often are better at hospitals doing a lot of these procedures. Also, before you leave the hospital, be sure to ask about follow-up care, and be sure you understand the instructions.

5. Make sure you understand what will happen if you need surgery. Ask your doctor and surgeon:

• Who will take charge of my care while I'm in the hospital?

• Exactly what will you be doing?

• How long will it take?

• What will happen after the surgery?

• How can I expect to feel during recovery?

Tell the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses if you have allergies or have ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia. Make sure you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree on exactly what will be done during the operation.