Communicating With Your Doctor

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - One of the most important things that needs to be looked at when we evaluate the care of patients here in the United States is ways to reduce the number of errors in implementing care.

Now, it sounds so simple, but errors in communication are often one of the leading causes of problems. I will give you an example:

Researchers have looked at ways to standardize drug dosing on the label so that patients are told to take their medicine at the same time, four times a day; breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime. This would replace the current practice which tells patients to take the medicine a specific number of times per day.

That's an easy concept, but really, if you think about it, the best thing to do is talk with your physician. If you and your doctor communicate, find out exactly what you're supposed to do, it will be much easier.