HHS HealthBeat (January 23, 2009)

Transitioning care

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From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

Leaving the hospital doesn’t necessarily mean you end your need for health care. It can mean you’re turning your care over to a different set of care givers. This transition of care is like throwing a ball into the air, except that the ball is your health information. You want to do all you can to ensure the ball is caught.

At HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy says information can get mislaid when people change doctors. And you should pay particular attention to what medicines you should take at home.

[Dr. Carolyn Clancy speaks] ``For individuals who are able, the very best advice is, be active in your own health care, which means you should take the initiative. Speak up. Don’t worry about being polite. Ask clinicians to write down any information that you’re going to need later.’’

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: January, 27 2009