Use the Buddy System for Your Health
In every hospital, there is a lot of activity. An emergency at one end of a floor may distract from another emergency. Hospitals work hard to avoid errors, but the fact remains that the staff cannot be everywhere at once. Many patients rely on the health buddy system — bringing a trusted friend or family member to help monitor their care.
It's your life. Be an informed and empowered patient.
Ask a buddy to monitor your care.
At the Patton Law Practice in Scottsdale, Arizona, our attorneys recommend the health buddy system when you are in the hospital or even when you have a doctor's appointment. Your buddy will serve as a patient advocate.
- Give your health buddy a medical power of attorney. That way, if you are unable to make a decision, your health buddy can. This will also give your buddy the right to ask questions about your treatment.
- Your buddy can help with patient monitoring. Hospital staff members often have problems providing a high level of patient monitoring. Your health buddy can keep an eye on you and alert the staff in case of changes.
- Question IVs and medications. Medication errors happen in even the best of hospitals. Do not hesitate to ask what is in the IV and what the dosage is. Ask the same about medicines. Do not take a chance that the dose, time, drug type or administration of a drug is a mistake.
- Take a health buddy to the doctor's office. It is difficult even in the best of conditions to understand and remember everything a doctor tells you. Your buddy can take notes and ask questions you forgot to ask.
As lawyers who deal with the health care system every day, we recommend that you have a health buddy who will advocate for you. We welcome questions from concerned patients and families in Arizona and throughout the United States. Call the Patton Law Practice at 1-888-905-9208.
