Serious medical errors are shockingly common, affecting millions of Americans every year. If you are seeking or undergoing treatment for any kind of medical condition, you may naturally be wondering how you can protect yourself from these mistakes. One of the best things that you can do as a patient is to maintain open and clear communication with your doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
Of course, the primary responsibility for preventing medical errors lies with medical professionals. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a negligent doctor or other professional, we may be able to help you seek justice. For more information, call the Des Moines medical malpractice lawyers of LaMarca Law Group, P.C., at (515) 705-0233.
Physician Communication Tips
Open communication with your doctor can help him or she diagnose and treat your condition more effectively. It can also help you spot any mistakes that your treatment providers may make. Some tips for efficient communication with your doctor include:
- Do not be afraid to ask questions. You have the right to information about your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options. If your doctor says anything that you do not understand, do not hesitate to ask him or her to clarify.
- Be honest. The more information your doctor has, the better treatment he or she can provide. Do not worry about embarrassment; doctors are professionals who are obligated to keep your information confidential.
- Do independent research. If you have any doubts about your diagnosis or prescribed treatment, seeking out information from other professionals may help. It is always acceptable to ask for a second opinion.
These tips can help patients empower and protect themselves. However, even an alert and the informed patient may become a victim of preventable medical errors. If you have any questions about your legal rights as a patient, our Des Moines medical malpractice attorneys may be able to help.
Contact Us
The Des Moines medical malpractice lawyers of LaMarca Law Group, P.C., work hard for each of our clients. To discuss what we can do for you, contact us by calling (515) 705-0233.