(HealthDayNews) -- Medical errors account for hundreds of needless deaths. To help lessen your risk, check these tips provided by the University of Michigan:
- Make sure all your doctors know about every medicine and supplement you are taking, including vitamins and herbs.
- Tell your doctor about any allergies and adverse reactions you've had to medicines.
- Make sure you can read any prescription your doctor writes for you. If you can't, your pharmacist may not be able to, either.
- Ask for information about your medicines, such as what they're for, the best way to measure and take them, how long to take them, and food, drink or activities to avoid while taking them.
- If you need to be hospitalized, choose a facility where many patients have had the procedure or surgery you need.
- If you are having surgery, make sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done.
- If you have a medical test, call for your results if your doctor hasn't already contacted you.
