When you receive care at Banner Desert Medical Center, you can be assured that every possible step is being taken to ensure you receive the best and safest care possible.

You can take an active role in your care by understanding your condition, the treatment options available to you, what to expect during treatment, and what they can do to help yourself recover.

Ask Questions

• Your physician, nurse, pharmacist, benefits plan coordinator or any health care provider should be prepared and eager to answer your questions. If you forgot to ask a question when visiting with your physician, write it down and call back.
• Find out as much as you can about illnesses or conditions that affect you. Ask your care providers to provide you with an overview of your visit and to give you any information you might need for treatment and recovery.
• Talk to your physician about all treatment options. If you wish, seek a second opinion.
• Choose a physician, clinic, pharmacy and hospital experienced in the care you need.

While You are in the Hospital

• It is critical that hospital staff properly identify you before every treatment and procedure. Before the admitting staff puts your ID bracelet on, confirm your name and make sure the information on it is correct.
• Ask your nurse about all the medicines you receive, including what they are and why you need them.
• Please do not tamper with devices, including IV pumps. If you have questions about them, ask your nurse.
• Tell hospital staff if you are part of a research study. They need to know this!
• Please wash your hands often and remind others to do so to best help prevent infections.
• Be sure your primary care doctor knows you are, or have been, in the hospital.
• For your safety, our pharmacy will give you all the prescriptions you need while you are in the hospital. If you have personal medications with you, send them home with your family. Tell your nurse if you must use your medications from home for any reason. We will work with you and your doctor to make sure you take your medicine safely
• Finally, if something just doesn't feel right or safe, or if you feel worried, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

Involve a Family Member or Friend in Your Care

Banner Desert Medical Center supports the Banner Health Partner in Caring program. We believe it is important for patients to have a family member or friend who can help during recovery and be there as a support for the patient. Ask your care giver about the Partner in Caring program.

Follow your Health Care Instructions

• Get your instructions in writing. We want you to have the information you need to care for yourself at home.
• Read all instructions and ask questions until you understand them.
• Ask your physician, nurse or pharmacist to explain all written instructions to you.
• Take medications exactly as prescribed. If you have concerns or side effects, talk with your physician.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, tell your nurse, physician or therapist.

Work with Your Physician and Other Care Providers

• Write down your medical history and conditions or illnesses you have including immunizations, allergies, time you've spent in a hospital, all the medications you are taking (including over-the-counter drugs), vitamins, supplements and herbs.
• Share up-to-date information about your health history and care with everyone who is treating you.  
• Don't assume your physicians know what other physicians, including specialists, you are seeing or what treatments you are receiving.
• Ask questions if you are unclear about your care. Write down questions so you don't forget them. Take notes to help you understand your care instructions.
• Pay attention. If something doesn't seem correct, tell your physician or care provider.
• If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, tell your nurse, physician or therapist.
• Write down the names and phone numbers of your physicians, clinics and pharmacies for quick and easy reference.