HHS HealthBeat (December 3, 2009)

Your medications and the emergency department

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

No one expects to be in an accident or get sick and need emergency care. But there are more than 120 million visits to hospital emergency departments each year.

That’s why the director of HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, says it’s crucial to plan ahead:

[Dr. Carolyn Clancy speaks] "It’s very helpful if you compile some key personal health information beforehand. Doing this could help to improve your outcome in a medical emergency."

Doctors need to know your medicines, including prescriptions, over-the-counter and herbal medications – and the dosages. You can bring the medicines to the hospital.  Or you can create a card to carry in your wallet that lists your medicines. The pill card will be ready for the doctor’s office or the emergency department. 

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: May 7, 2011