Can you trust your safety in the doctor's office?
Last month, some pretty shocking news broke. Nearly 5,700 former patients of a South Dakota clinic had to be notified that they may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis. State health inspectors were told that the clinic workers had been reusing single-use medical products since the clinic opened in 2002. When questioned about the bag, clinic workers freely admitted that they reuse the bags routinely, even though they're clearly marked "single use only." And the problem was caught by pure chance. This got me thinking… If it can take seven years for health inspectors to notice that something is amiss, are we really being protected? It just goes to show, we can't sleep on the job of looking out for ourselves. Ask questions. If you're not sure of any procedure your doctor is performing, have him explain. If you don't know what equipment he's using or whether it's single-use or not, just ask. Here's something you might not have ever thought you'd have to ask your doctor to d Wash his hands. But a few years back, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that doctors washed their hands only 57% of the times they should have, including times when they performed activities with high risks for spreading infection. It's also a good idea to bring a list of your concerns with you, and a notepad to write down any instructions your doctor might give, or anything that confuses you. Ask about side effects and alternatives to prescriptions. Asking "Why?" can be very powerful. Don't be afraid to bring a family member if you aren't sure you'll be able to ask the right questions or remember what your doctor tells you. If you don't have a family member who can assist you, a patient advocate may be able to help you. A patient advocate can help you with, well…with almost anything. He or she can help make sure you see the right specialist. Or do research so you are more informed when talking to your doctor. Or help you work out any issues with prescriptions. A patient advocate can even sort through your piles of bills and, if needed, negotiate with your insurance company. Some doctors may get irritated by the presence of a patient advocate, but it's all about your comfort and well-being. If you need someone with you, then by all means have someone with you! You can learn more about patient advocates—and request the assistance of one—at www.patientadvocate.org. Sources:
"Urology patients warned of possible HIV, hepatitis exposure." CNN (www.cnn.com), 4/17/09.
"Hand hygiene among physicians: performance, beliefs, and perceptions." Annals of Internal Medicine, 7/6/04. | 
