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Tips for Patients to Prevent Wrong-Site Surgery

  • You and your surgeon should agree on exactly what will be done during the operation.

  • Ask to have the surgical site marked with a permanent marker. This means that the site cannot be easily overlooked or confused (for example, surgery on the right knee instead of the left knee).

  • Ask questions. You should speak up if you have concerns. It's okay to ask questions and expect answers that you understand.

  • Think of yourself as an active participant in the safety and quality of your health care. Studies show that patients who are actively involved in making decisions about their care are more likely to have good outcomes.

  • Insist that your surgery be done at a Joint Commission-accredited facility. The Joint Commission accreditation is considered the "gold standard," meaning that the hospital or surgery center has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation and is committed to national quality and safety standards.

  • Ask about the health care organization's experience in treating your type of illness. How frequently do they perform the procedure you need and what specialized care do they provide in helping patients get well?

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither Desert Springs Hospital Medical Center, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.
 
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