Be prepared

Making sure you and your loved ones have good medical care can be as simple as making sure you're prepared...

for your clinic visit
Whether it's for a health problem you've been wondering about or just a routine exam, here is some advice on how to be informed about your care.
for your hospital stay
Patients who take an active role in their health care can have better outcomes than those who don't. Here's how to make your hospital stay a good experience.
to help kids during adult's hospital stay
A parent's or grandparent's hospital stay creates stress, worry and fear for children in the family. Here are some ideas for responding to the needs of children and teens, especially during sudden or traumatic medical events.
for after you leave the hospital
There are a few things you need to think about as you plan your transition from the hospital.
in case of an emergency
It is important to have easy access to your medical information in case of an emergency. Here are some suggestions to help you get organized.
to make your health care wishes known
Does your family know your medical care wishes in the event of an emergency or illness? You can eliminate all guess work by thinking in advance about the kind of care you would want if you were unable to make decisions on your own. Explore your options.

This manual can help ease your mind about having an operation by letting you know what to expect before surgery and after surgery.