Communication Is the Cornerstone to Patient Safety

Open, honest communication with your doctor and medical team will help you become better informed about your treatment and the expected results.

The more information you have about your health care, the better equipped you are to make decisions that are best for you.

• Always be honest and complete when talking with your doctor. Information that seems incidental to you may be important to your doctor and medical team.
• Ask questions. It is common to forget some things we want to talk about with our doctors. The best thing to do is make a list.
• Speak up when you do not understand. If there is a language difference, or if you cannot hear or see very well, make sure you tell your doctor and medical team.
  Know the best way to reach your doctor after hours, such as by phone or e-mail.

Learn more at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00684