Keeping care connected
Ask for the follow-up plan while comparing care. Keep the review, the results and the route for a new question in the same note.
When will we review the care goal and what will we compare?
The planned review and the change it will look for.
Who will read any test results and explain them?
The person's name, their job and how they will explain your results to you.
Who do I contact with a question about my health or treatment, and who handles questions about my bill?
How to reach the person treating you and who handles payment questions.
How will we discuss changing course if the goal is not being met?
The review process and any change to the payment agreement.
FDA reporting route
Medicine problems can be reported through MedWatch, a service run by FDA. FDA is the Food and Drug Administration, which oversees US drugs. Patients can send a report themselves, without paying a fee.
A report records a problem during medicine use; it does not establish that the medicine was its cause.
Keep the care goal, written plan, pharmacy name and result explanations together. Add questions as they occur, in your own words.
Ask how you can obtain a copy of your care notes if you later consult another doctor or prescriber. Ask which records would help that person understand the proposed plan.
For severe allergic symptoms, seek emergency help by dialling 911 or going to the closest emergency room.