 [ Symptoms ] how can i reduce the risk of a serious medical error in the doctor is office [ Disease ] here are a few precautions suggested by the agency of healthcare research and quality ahrq that you can take to protect yourself against common medical mistakes take an active role talk with your doctor and clearly state how you would like your care to go and ask specific questions about the care you are receiving why it is necessary and what you should expect talk medicine it is critical that your doctors and nurses know all of the medications you are taking including over the counter drugs and vitamins and any other supplements if it makes it easier for you bring all of your medication bottles in a bag to your doctor mention any allergies you have in addition ahrq suggests talking with your doctor about the medications being prescribed so that you clearly understand what you are taking how it should be taken and why it is important here is a list of suggested questions to ask your doctor what is the medicine for how am i supposed to take it and for how long what side effects are likely what do i do if they occur is this medicine safe to take with other medicines or dietary supplements i am taking what food drink or activities should i avoid while taking this medicine finally make sure you can read any prescriptions your doctor writes for you if you can not read it there is no reason to think your pharmacist will be able to spread the word assume that each new doctor you see does not know your full medical history because he or she likely does not and talk with your primary doctor about taking charge of your care and coordinating with other health care providers you see ask for results never assume that not hearing results about a recent medical test you have taken means that nothing was found always call to find out exactly what the outcome was bring a friend it is a good idea to have a friend or family member who can advocate for you and help you ask questions