Member Safety

Bring all your medications or a list of medications you are taking to your appointments (including over-the-counter).
You may want to bring someone with to your appointment that knows you and your medical history. They can help ask questions and to make sure all your questions are answered.
Be prepared and bring a list of questions and what you want to talk about with your provider.
Ask your provider to write down their instructions. This will be helpful so that you can refer to it when you get home.If you are prescribed a medication, make sure you know what it is for, what it looks like, and how often you should take it.
Make sure you are given the correct medication before you leave the pharmacy.
Don't be afraid to speak up! If something doesn’t make sense, look right, or you have questions, talk with your provider.

The Minnesota Alliance for Patient Safety: http://www.mnpatientsafety.org/
The National Council on Patient Information and Education: http://www.talkaboutrx.org
National Patient Safety Foundation: http://www.npsf.org/
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors: http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tips.htm
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors in Children: http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tipkid.htm