Take Charge of Your Hospital Stay to Avoid Medical Mistakes

March 22, 2010— -- Studies show that 98,000 people die in hospitals every year because of medical errors.

That's a staggering statistic, but there's ways to make sure those medical mistakes don't happen to you.

Dr. Marie Savard, "Good Morning America" medical contributor, visited the show this morning to share six insider tips that could save your life on your next hospital stay.

• Try not to schedule your hospital stay in June, July or August. Those are the months when new residents start working and older ones move up the ladder, Savard said. She also said to avoid surgery on Thursday or Friday, especially Friday.

Find out if your doctor is planning a vacation and will thus be unavailable immediately after your procedure, although your doctor will usually inform you of a planned vacation, Savard said.

• Have a copy of your medical records when you visit the hospital. Savard says she has a three-ring binder of medical information for herself and her parents.

Eighty percent of a doctor's diagnosis comes from the information from medical records, so it's crucial that doctors have that information, Savard said. In addition to bringing along medical records when you check into a hospital, patients also should have a list of medications, doses and directions.

• Have another set of eyes and ears at the hospital. The presence of a "health buddy" can be vital, Savard said.

People who are staying in the hospital will be sick and vulnerable, and they will need someone to be their eyes and ears during their stay. The health buddy should take notes and pay attention to doctors' and nurses' instructions, and should watch to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

Savard says that many things can go wrong in a hospital. For example, the wrong medication can be administered or the wrong test can be scheduled.

They can help to prevent the wrong medication, the wrong test and incorrect procedures. Such vigilance cannot be accomplished by a single person. Savard said the health buddy should have a backup.