Patient Safety

PATIENT CARE, QUALITY AND SAFETY

At Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, your care and safety are our highest priority.
We have put many checks in place to keep you safe and prevent errors with your care, but we also need you to play a vital role.

We are committed to making health information understandable to you. Our staff uses Patient Teach Back Health Literacy Standards anytime written instructions are given.

As partners on your health and wellness journey, please work with your doctor and other healthcare professionals as a team.

  • Share your health history with your care team.
  • Share up-to-date information about your care with everyone who is treating you.
  • Make sure you understand the care and treatment you’ll be receiving. Ask questions if you are not clear about your care.
  • Pay attention. If something doesn’t seem right, call it to the attention of your doctor or healthcare professional.
  • Discuss any concerns about your safety with your healthcare team.

It is also important to share your health history with your care team.

  • Write down your medical history including any medical conditions, illnesses, immunizations, allergies, hospitalizations, all medications and dietary supplements you currently take, and any reactions or sensitivities you’ve experienced.
  • Write down the names and phone numbers of your doctors, clinics and pharmacies for quick and easy reference.
  • Bring these with you to the hospital or clinic to share with your care team.

Involving a family member or friend in your care is also vital.

  • A hospital stay can be stressful for anyone. The impact of illness and medication can make it difficult for you to participate fully in your care. That’s why we recommend you ask a trusted family member or friend to help. They can accompany you on appointments or stay with you in the hospital. They can also help you ask questions, understand care instructions and explain your preferences with your care team.

Follow the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your care team.

  • Be sure you receive all instructions in writing and that you read and understand them. Have a member of your care team go over the instructions with you verbally.
  • Take medications exactly as prescribed.
  • Follow instructions for the use of home medical equipment and supplies.
  • Report anything unusual to your care team.

Source: National Patient Safety Foundation® (NPSF)

It’s OK to Ask: Ask Me 3

  1. What do I need to do?
  2. Why do I need to do it?
  3. How will I know if I need further help? What do I watch for or monitor?

QUALITY/RISK MANAGEMENT

Quality/Risk Management professionals monitor the use of hospital resources to assure that patient needs are met in a high-quality manner. They ensure a safe environment and provide opportunities for patients to express opinions about the quality of care they receive. Our Quality/Risk Management team helps us give each patient the best possible health care.

MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT

We care about the confidentiality, privacy and security of your medical information. To help prevent and detect medical identity theft, you will be asked to provide identification information at the registration desk. If you have insurance, we will ask to see your insurance card. We will also ask to see a photo ID. This enables our staff to verify your identity and match it to the proper billing account and electronic health record. We appreciate your cooperation in protecting your medical identity.

WHAT IS MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT?

Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses a person’s name or other parts of the individual’s identity—such as insurance information or Social Security number—without the person’s knowledge or consent to obtain medical services or goods. Medical identity theft can also occur when someone uses the person’s identity to obtain money by falsifying claims for medical services and falsifying medical records to support those claims.

Medical identity theft isn’t just a crime against the healthcare system. It typically leaves a trail of falsified information in medical records that can plague victims’ medical and financial lives for years.

ARE YOU A VICTIM OF MEDICAL IDENTITY THEFT?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has useful tools for identity theft victims, as well as guidance to help consumers prevent identity theft. Visit the FTC’s website at www.ftc.gov.

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