In the next week or so, I will be shooting another YouTube video to discuss some of the ways patients can ensure they receive the best quality healthcare possible. One of these ways is to ensure you and your doctor are on the same page when it comes to your medications and allergies. I advise everyone to take all of your medications (or, at least, an up to date list) to every healthcare appointment. I have had cases where this has potentially averted disaster. Hopefully, your doctor has the correct medications on your chart. However, you are the only one who can be sure!

I also encourage you to know what each and every one of your medications is being used for. Unfortunately, I see patients all the time who are on multiple medications for problems they don’t even remember having. Somewhere along the way, they complained of something and were given a medication for it. Being “good patients”, they simply continued to get the medications filled and the doctor (who may not have written the prescription in the first place) continues to obliging refill it. At least once a year, you and your doctor should sit down and talk about why you are taking each medication. Better yet, have him or her write the diagnosis for each medication so that it will be on your bottle. You may be surprised that you can get your doctor to take you off a pill or two. Nobody wants to be on more medication than absolutely necessary! As always, good health to you!