Part 1: What You Need to do Before Going to the Hospital

People often ask what they can do to prevent a medical mistake from happening to them or a loved one when they are in the hospital. Part 1 lists several steps to take before going to the hospital.

• Take your updated Personal Health System with you
• Update your list of medications
  
• List all medication and food allergies
• Update your emergency contact information
• Update your health problem list
• Note any special issues that you want your doctor to know
• Know why you are going to the hospital (What procedure are you going to have?)

Name of Procedure:_____________________________________________________

Date of Procedure:______________________________________________________

Doctor:________________________________________________________________

Also, if you are concerned about going to the hospital alone, be sure to ask a friend or family member to go along with you. This person is called your advocate and will be a big help in