Smart Patients Can Make Anesthesia Safer 

The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article on steps doctors and patients can take to make anesthesia safer.  Most people understand that anesthesia has risks.  They are familiar with the Michael Jackson case or with Joan Rivers's recent death from oxygen deprivation during a surgical procedure.

As I advise over and over in my upcoming book, Patient Confidential, Tips and Advice To Keep You Safe As You Navigate the Healthcare System, knowledge of medical procedures is critical.  And, always, always ask questions. The Journal article discusses safety measures doctors can take, but of more interest to most readers is the information on what measures patients can take to maximize safety.  The article contains an excellent sidebar, entitled "Getting Ready to Go Under" with a list of six steps patients should take before receiving anesthesia.  They include such things as asking who will monitor your anesthesia, the surgeon, a nurse or an anesthesiologist, and giving the anesthesia provider a full list of all prescription and non-prescription drugs and a list of all supplements and herbal remedies you take.