As experienced attorneys in Wichita, we see the pain and frustration of people who have fallen victim to medical errors and negligence. We truly do sympathize with these people and don’t want anyone to experience pain that could have been prevented.

As a result, we’ve compiled some tips that you, as a patient, can use when visiting a physician. Medical malpractice is never your fault, and while it is always a possibility, applying these four ideas to your next doctor’s visit could greatly decrease the chance of a medical error.

First, do your research. Going into an appointment with a good understanding of your symptoms and possible diagnoses helps you know what questions to ask and will also help you identify things the physician could miss.

Research doesn’t stop when you step out the door, however. After the physician has made a diagnosis and prescribed a medication or treatment, research the medicine, its side effects, its success rate, and what it shouldn’t be mixed with.

Next, ask questions. When you’re in the physician’s office, don’t sit back and let him or her do all the talking. If you don’t understand something, speak up. Ask detailed questions and expect clear, thorough answers. When your health is involved, no question is stupid or irrelevant.

If you have any follow-up questions, don’t hesitate to call the office. You’re paying for a service, and physicians typically do want to help.

The third tip is to overcome any intimidation you may feel. Many people are intimidated by physicians and their offices. You are the one paying them, so you should expect respectable, thorough, and safe service. We’re not saying be rude, but stand up for yourself if you feel a physician might not be listening to you. After all, you know your body better than anyone.

Last but not least, bring a family member or close friend along for the visit. It is much easier to follow the last three steps if you have someone you trust nearby, someone you know has your best interest in mind. They may think of questions you didn’t, and can help you recall exactly what the physician said or did if you need to recall it later.

These tips can help create a safer experience for you, but malpractice is still possible. Generally, physicians take extreme care to treat you safely and cautiously, but mistakes can happen.

If you have any questions about malpractice, or feel you might be the victim of medical malpractice, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney.