Paramount is working within the ProMedica Health System, and with employers and other health plans, to make sure you and your family get safe medical care.

Avoid Becoming an Accident or Injury Patient

Try to stop accidents before they happen, so you and those around you do not become a patient unexpectedly.  

• Reduce the spread of infection by washing hands frequently; teach your children to do the same.
• Use safety belts and car seats appropriately.
• Wear a bike helmet, or use sports equipment like a mouth guard or kneepads.
• Safety-proof your home; for example, eliminate throw rugs, install child-locks on cabinets, and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year.
• Exercise caution on snow and ice in winter; with sun and heat in summer.

You can improve general safety for you and your family, and health care safety in particular, by being prepared, by paying attention and by asking questions.

• Learn about your health needs in order to find the best care for you or your family. 
• Ask questions when you see a doctor, pick up medicine at the drug store, or go to the hospital.
• Make sure you get the right medicine and always take it as directed.
• Make sure that the hospital has experience in treating your condition and is equipped to handle problems. 
• Find out if the doctors caring for you have special training for your needs.

Talk to Your Doctor and Other Providers

You deserve safe health care, and Paramount wants to ensure that you get it.  Good health care starts with talking to your doctor.  Your doctor is your best source for help when you need medical care.  Tell him or her about your health history and about your current problems.  Be sure to discuss any medications and/or vitamins you are taking.  Your doctor can then assess your health history and your condition, and will tell you the best way and best place to get the care you need.

Here are some other things to remember when seeking medical attention from any  health care provider:

• Speak up.  If you have questions or concerns, be sure to ask.  Make sure you get an answer that you understand.
• Make sure your primary care physician (PCP) is in charge.  The coordination of care by one doctor who is familiar with your health history and condition helps ensure that you get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.  Insist that all care or services you receive are noted in the medical record at your PCP’s office.
• Tell health care workers about you/your condition.  Do not assume that everyone in your doctor's office or in a hospital knows all about you.  Be sure to tell them.
• Take a family member or friend with you to the doctor or hospital.  Taking another person along provides another set of ears to listen when things are explained.  If you have advance directives granting this person permission to speak or act on your behalf, be sure to tell your doctor.  Otherwise, privacy laws could interfere with your choice.
• "More" is not always better.  Find out why a test or service is recommended and how it will help you. If you question the necessity, get a second opinion.
• Always get test results.  If you have tests taken, do not assume that no news is good news.  Ask your doctor or nurse to explain the results of the tests.
• Do your homework.  If your doctor recommends a test or treatment, be sure you find out all there is to know from sources you understand and trust.

If you are harmed or injured while receiving medical care, contact Paramount to report the incident so it can be investigated.  Call the Member Services Department at 419-887-2525 or toll free at 1-800-462-3589.  TTY users call 1-888-740-5670.

Medication Safety

Remember to talk with your doctor about the following subjects:

• Medicines you are currently taking – Take a list of all prescription and/or over-the-counter medicines you are taking (including aspirin and vitamins) to your doctor at least once a year.  Your doctor will talk with you about anything you are taking that might not be good for you or medicines that might interact with one another.  This also helps to keep your medical records up to date.
• Allergies or reactions you have to medicines
• New prescriptions – Be sure you understand how to take a new medication and how it should make you feel. Make sure the prescription is easy to read so your pharmacist gives you the right medicine and the right dose.

Things you should know about every prescription.

• What will this medicine do for you?
• How do you take it and for how long?  What side effects are possible?  What should you do if you experience side effects?
• Is this medicine safe to take along with other medicines or diet supplements?
• What food, drink or activities should be avoided while on the medicine?

You should also ask your pharmacist questions about your medicine.

• Make sure the medicine you receive is the one your doctor prescribed.  Read the label yourself or ask the pharmacist to read it aloud.  Many medication errors are prevented by checking one more time. 
• Be sure you understand the directions on the medicine label.  These can be tricky to understand.  For example, if the directions read four doses daily, be sure to ask if the prescription should be taken every 6 hours around the clock or every 2 hours during the day.
• If the medicine is liquid, ask the pharmacist the best way to measure it.  Many people use household teaspoons, which are not accurate.  Special syringes or other devices can help ensure you get the right dosage.
• Be extra careful with medicine for children.  Too much medicine can be very harmful. 
• Ask for the instructions and side effects in writing.  Many pharmacies provide written instructions, which also explain side effects.  If written instructions are not provided, or if instructions are provided and you would like to have them explained, be sure to ask about them.

Getting the Best Hospital Care

The physicians and hospitals in Paramount’s network are committed to providing the best care for you and your family.  To maintain Joint Commission (TJC) accreditation, hospitals must comply with several specific National Patient Safety Goals.  Some Paramount hospitals are also striving to meet voluntary standards from The Leapfrog Group™.  By going to your doctor for regular check-ups, he or she can give you the care you need to stay healthy and keep you out of the hospital.  If you do have to go to the hospital, you can play an important role in making sure you get the best care.

If you ever find yourself admitted as an inpatient to the hospital, you will likely have many health care workers taking care of you.  While they take every precaution to make sure there are NO errors made while treating you, sometimes mistakes do happen.  By taking an active role in your care, you can make sure the care you receive is right for you.

• Do your homework.  Make sure that the hospital has experience in treating your condition.  If you need help getting this information, ask your doctor or call the Paramount Member Services Department at 419-887-2525 or toll free at 1-800-462-3589.  TTY users may call 1-888-740-5670.
• See that health care workers wash their hands before caring for you.  Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs at home and the spread of infections in the hospital.  If you do not see your health care providers wash their hands, ask that they do.
• Ask about services or tests.  Ask what test or x-ray is being performed and make sure you are getting the right test.  In the example of a knee surgery, be sure that the correct knee is prepared for surgery.  If you need to have an operation, ask the surgeon how he or she will prevent errors (e.g., Universal Protocol for Preventing Wrong Site, Wrong Procedure, Wrong Person Surgery). 
• Get instructions before going home.  Before leaving the hospital, be sure the doctor talks to you about any medicines you need to take, how often you need to take them, what doses to take, and any side effects to expect.  Also ask when you can return to your normal activities and what you can do to hasten your recovery.

If you have any questions after leaving the hospital or outpatient facility, call your doctor right away.

For More Information About Patient Safety

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality at www.ahrq.gov/qual/errorsix.htm
• Ohio Patient Safety Institute at www.ohiopatientsafety.org
• Ohioan FiRxst at www.ohioansfirst.org
• Michigan Health and Safety Coalition at www.mihealthandsafety.org
• National Patient Safety Foundation at www.npsf.org
• National Safety Council at www.nsc.org
• Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations’ Speak Up Program at www.JCAHO.org
• Institute for Safe Medication Practices at www.ISMP.org
• The Leapfrog Group at www.leapfroggroup.org