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Mile Bluff encourages you to play it safe, always carry a medication card
Medication errors are one of the leading causes of patient injuries. More than half of these errors occur at interfaces of care. That’s why Mile Bluff is taking steps to educate and remind you about the importance of working closely with your healthcare team to ensure the safe use of medicines.
It is the responsibility of your healthcare provider and pharmacist to decide which medicine and dosage is best for you, and to clearly label and dispense the medication. It is your responsibility to bring all of the medications you are taking (including non-prescription medicines such as vitamins, aspirin, herbal supplements, etc.) to all clinic appointments and hospital visits in their original containers, along with your up-to-date medication card. This is vital to your health and safety.
Mile Bluff Medical Center joins healthcare institutions across the country in asking everyone in the community to carry an accurate list of their medications in their wallets at all times.
These lists should contain all the medications that you use, including those that are taken only when needed, over-the-counter products, vitamin supplements and herbal remedies. It should be taken out at every encounter with a healthcare provider and revised as needed. Some over-the-counter drugs do not mix well with other medications so it is important that your healthcare providers are aware of everything you are taking. To help meet the goal of having everyone carry an accurate list of their medications, Mile Bluff Medical Center has developed a medication card. Anyone who would like one of these cards may pick one up at one of the facilities listed below, or in the Health Promotion Department at Mile Bluff Medical Center. If you would like a card mailed to you, call 608-847-1845 or 800-252-4377 x4272. A form can also be found at www.safecarewisconsin.org.
Knowing all your medicines and doses will assist
healthcare providers in choosing a medication that will work best for you and
that won’t interfere with others you are taking. Carrying a medication card can
also save your life in the case of an emergency! Once you have completed your medication list, make sure to inform loved ones that you have a list and tell them where you keep it. It is recommended you carry it in your wallet or purse. If you are ever hurt in an accident or if you become very ill, the list gives emergency medical personnel information that can save your life. A wallet is the first place emergency personnel are likely to look if a patient is unable to communicate, and knowing as much as possible about you and the medication you take can help them save your life!
IMPORTANT TIPS ? Take medications exactly as they are prescribed. ? Keep medications in their original containers. ? Inform your healthcare provider if you are experiencing problems with a medication or if you have stopped taking your medication for any reason. ? Do not share your prescriptions with others or take medicines prescribed to others. ? Check all medications before consumption to ensure you’re taking the proper medicine. ? Do not take new over-the-counter medicines without consulting a healthcare professional. ? Alert healthcare providers and pharmacists of any past allergic reactions you’ve had to medicines. ? Some medicines have multiple names, ask if you have a question about what you’ve received. ? Ask questions if any of your medication looks different after a refill. ? Confirm how often and when you should take each dose. ? Find out what to do if you miss a dose. ? Verify whether or not alcohol can be consumed while taking the medication.
Follow these simple rules and talk with your healthcare provider and pharmacist if you have any further questions. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, call Mile Bluff at 608-847-6161, or one of its outreach facilities today.
Mile Bluff–Delton Family Medical Center: 608-254-5888 Mile Bluff–Elroy Family Medical Center: 608-462-8466 Mile Bluff Clinic (Mauston): 608-847-5000 Mile Bluff–Necedah Family Medical Center:608-565-2000 New Lisbon Clinic: 608-562-3111 (May 5, 2009) |
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Mile Bluff Medical Center/ 1050 Division St./ Mauston, WI 53948 / 608 847 6161 Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division Street, Mauston, WI 53948 608 847 6161 or Toll free in WI at 800 252 4377 © 2008 Mile Bluff Medical Center |
