As Seen On TV: Hospital Care Tips
Check out these tips to get the best care during your emergency room visit.
Dec. 8, 2008— -- A report today in the journal Circulation warns that many women may not be getting the basic care they desperately need. The study found that women are twice as likely to die from a severe heart attack as men. Results show that women were 14 percent less likely to receive early aspirin, which is typically used to minimize blood clotting. ABC News Medical Contributor Dr. Marie Savard gives patients advice on how to ensure their health when hospitalized.
"Don't hesitate to ask questions and have your answers recorded (with permission) or written down," Savard says. "Your attending doctor will dictate a complete report, summarizing the reason for your hospital stay, any treatment and test results. Ask your doctor for a copy of this discharge summary and provide a self-addressed stamped envelope as a reminder of your request. Ask your surgeon for a copy of the operative summary for your files, as well."
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