Communication Can Help Prevent Medical Malpractice April 27, 2012.

Believe it or not, you can help prevent medical malpractice. How?

• Be prepared – write down your symptoms, questions, and concerns and take them to your appointment. In the same notebook, write down your doctor’s responses and anything else you need to remember.
• Take a friend – having a trusted friend or family member with you can not only make you feel more at ease, but he or she can serve as an extra set of eyes and ears on your behalf.
• Ask about communication preferences – before you leave the office, ask your doctor how he or she prefers to be contacted if you have a question or issue. This way, you won’t be waiting for an email response from a doctor who only checks voicemail.
• Be honest – keeping things from your doctor can affect your treatment. Doctors have heard and seen it all, so you should feel comfortable divulging information that may seem embarrassing.

If you believe medical malpractice has already occurred, contact our Cleveland office for a free consultation.