Do not assume that everyone has all the information they need.

This is especially important if you have many health problems or are in the hospital.

Even if you do not need help now, you might need it later.

Create a list of items you want to discuss. Put them in order and ask the most important questions first.

You have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care.

It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.

For example, treatment options based on the latest scientific evidence are available from the Effective Health Care Web  site. Ask your doctor if your treatment is based on the latest evidence.

"Brown bagging" your medicines can help you and your doctor talk about them and find out if there are any problems. It can also help your doctor keep your records up to date and help you get better quality care.

This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, such as vitamins and herbs.

This can help you to avoid getting a medicine that could harm you.

If you know what might happen, you will be better prepared if it does or if something unexpected happens.

If you cannot read your doctor's handwriting, your pharmacist might not be able to either.

• What is the medicine for?

• How am I supposed to take it and for how long?

• What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?

• Is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements I am taking?

• What food, drink, or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

Medicine labels can be hard to understand. For example, ask if "four times daily" means taking a dose every 6 hours around the clock or just during regular waking hours.

Is this the medicine that my doctor prescribed?

For example, many people use household teaspoons, which often do not hold a true teaspoon of liquid. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people measure the right dose.

When a test is ordered, know what the test is trying to find or rule out and how the results will affect your care. You should also be informed about whether there are other options available that may be less invasive or provide the same information.

Understand possible risks or complications, including any discomfort, side effects, or rare but possible problems that could occur with the test. This helps you make an informed decision and know what to expect.

Ask how the test results will be shared with you and when you will get the results. If you have not received results within the expected time, follow up to make sure they were completed and reviewed.

If you have not received test results within the expected time, follow up to make sure they were completed and reviewed.

This process is a key patient safety step that helps ensure you receive the correct care. Before any test, treatment, or medication is given to you, your identity should be confirmed using at least two identifiers, such as your name and date of birth, to help prevent errors and keep your care accurate and safe.

Handwashing can prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.

This includes learning about your new medicines, making sure you know when to schedule follow-up appointments, and finding out when you can get back to your regular activities.

It is important to know whether or not you should keep taking the medicines you were taking before your hospital stay. Getting clear instructions may help prevent an unexpected return trip to the hospital.

Research shows that patients tend to have better results when they are treated in hospitals that have a great deal of experience with their condition.

Having surgery at the wrong site (for example, operating on the left knee instead of the right) is rare. But even once is too often. The good news is that wrong-site surgery is 100 percent preventable. Surgeons are expected to sign their initials directly on the site to be operated on before the surgery.