Avoiding Medical Errors: 100 Rules to Help You Survive Mistakes by Doctors and Hospitals

Fox, a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice, and Landon, a pediatrician, deliver a practical and straightforward guide intended to help patients avoid becoming victims of the healthcare system. Starting with tips on selecting a competent doctor and verifying credentials, Fox and Landon methodically take readers through their rules for receiving quality care. Many are commonsensical, but helpful nevertheless, such as to maintain one’s own medical file, including copies of prescriptions and lab reports. Other rules are less obvious, such as avoiding surgery (if possible) during the holiday season or weekends, when medical staffing might be low. Readers should take note of what to put into a “hospital kit” before a stay—suggestions include “a small loud whistle” in case there is no response to a call device during an emergency. Fox’s legal expertise is most on display in the final chapter, about what to do when errors do occur. Reminding readers the practice of medicine is still more art than science, Fox and Landon’s pragmatic manual should be an invaluable asset to readers. (Apr.)