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Now more than ever, patients are taking a more active role in their healthcare. Chronic diseases are on the rise as our population ages, making ongoing self-care—particularly the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs—more critical. Are you taking your medication properly? Below are 11 helpful suggestions about using medications wisely.
1. Learn about your medications. Whenever you get a new medication, make sure you know the following:
- What is the name of the drug and what is it supposed to do?
- How and when do I take it—and for how long?
- What foods, drinks, other medicines or activities should I avoid while taking this drug?
- Are there any side effects, and what do I do if they occur?
- Is there any written information available about the drug?
2. Maintain a current pocket medication card.
Your card should include the medication’s name, strength, dose, frequency and reason for taking the drug. The card should include prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter products and natural or alternative medicine remedies. Also record any allergies you have on your prescription card.
3. Read the label each time you take the medicine.
Doing so will ensure you are taking the right drug the right way.
4. Never take anyone else’s prescription medication.
Also, never give your medication to others.
5. Treat medications just like dangerous chemicals.
Medications should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
6. Get rid of medications you are no longer using.
Dispose of all unused medication properly.
7. Don’t chew, break or crush capsules or tablets unless instructed by your physician.
Some long-acting medications are designed to be taken in a specific way and can be dangerous if taken incorrectly.
8. Use only the cup or other measuring device supplied with the drug when administering liquid medications.
Other measuring devices—such as household teaspoons and tablespoons—may not give accurate measurements.
9. Choose a pharmacy wisely.
Your pharmacy should be able to maintain a computerized list of all your medications, allergies and chronic medical conditions.
10. Inform your physician and pharmacist of any herbal or natural remedies you take.
Herbal remedies may interact or even duplicate your medications as well as cause allergic reactions.
11. Call your physician’s office with questions.
If you have questions or concerns about your medication or if your symptoms worsen, talk to your doctor.
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| Pre-Operative Testing is carried out 10 to 14 days prior to your surgery so that your surgeon can thoroughly evaluate your condition. Pre-Operative Teaching will provide you with specific information on your surgical procedure, how you prepare for it and what to do after you go home.
Your Pre-Operative Testing and Teaching program will depend upon the surgical procedure you will have performed. This may involve blood work, x-rays, and EKG or other diagnostic tests. Your specific preparation instructions will be provided by your physician and, if necessary, by the medical center's
Anesthesia Department. Pre-Operative Testing and Teaching is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Your physician's office will make an appointment with the medical center for you, and let you know the day and time to come to Civista Medical Center. If you need to speak with the pre-operative assessment nurse please call 301.609.4459.
If you need to change your appointment you may call 301.609.4150. |
Things to bring with you:
• Our physician's orders for testing.
• Your insurance card and completed insurance form, if available.
• Your medications or a list of medications you are currently taking.
• Recent lab results if the tests were performed at facilities other than Civista Health. Outside lab results may be faxed to 301.934.4273. |
General Preparation
If you will be receiving anesthesia for your procedure, (i.e., general, I.V. sedation, spinal, epidural, and/or regional blocks) you must not have anything to eat or drink, including gum or mints, after 12:00 midnight the night before your surgery, unless otherwise instructed. If instructed by your physician or Same Day Surgery nurse to take your normal or any special medications, you may have a small sip of water with your medicine. |
The day and time of your surgery will be given to you at the time of your Pre-Operative Testing and Teaching or as instructed by your physician. You must report to the Same Day Surgery Unit at the designated time. Should your physician determine that your Same Day Surgery procedure requires special pre-surgical preparation or postoperative recovery and monitoring, you will be designated an AM Admission. In this case you will be assigned to a medical center room after your surgery. Upon arrival at the medical center on the day of your surgery, please proceed directly to Registration located on the first floor of Civista Medical Center. After registering proceed to Same Day Surgery located in the South tower and check in.
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| You will enter through the Outpatient entrance in the rear of the hospital off of Wicomico Street. Check in at the Registration Desk. The Registration Coordinator will make a copy of your insurance card and driver’s license. She will then direct you to your next destination. |
For your convenience, some of the paperwork for a non-emergency admission can be done in advance. The office staff of your physician can assist you with making arrangements for your stay at Civista Medical Center.
If you have questions regarding the pre-admission process, you may call the Pre-registration Department at 301.609.4448 or 301.609.3520 |
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