Patient & Family Resources
GOING TO THE HOSPITAL
This information will assist you in preparing to navigate the healthcare system within a hospital setting.
-
HIPAA is a federal law that protects individuals' medical information privacy and governs how healthcare entities handle sensitive data.
-
The Patient Assistant Guide​ comprises a checklist of essential supplies, note-taking recommendations, precautions to consider, and a list of pertinent questions to ask.
-
The Visitors Sign-In encourages visitors to leave a message.
-
The Story Board: Complete with the patient's details and display on the wall for visitors and staff to learn more about the patient.
A checklist to help explain the role of the advocate and the needs of the patient.
​
Advance Directives
A one page guide to understanding advance directives.
​
The Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) Form
The MOLST may be used for individuals who wish to avoid and/or receive specific life-sustaining treatments.
​
Print and complete with someone you trust. A healthcare proxy is not the same as an advocate. A healthcare proxy can speak for the patient when the patient can't speak for themselves. An advocate is a helper.
Help in Choosing a Homecare Agency
​
Before making a final decision on which service to use, this worksheet might be helpful to use.
When seeing your clinician be as accurate as possible when describing your symptoms, and think STARS.
Quick Guide for a Support Person
A swift guide to patient safety for individuals suddenly in a care-giving role.
​
Personal Medical Diary(Medical History)
Compile medical history, doctor details, medications, and procedures. Print and organize these in a folder or binder as needed.​
​
The Designated Medication Manager (DMM)
Offer assistance during the acquisition of new medication, or have someone support you in this process.
​
HELPFUL LINKS
ConsumerMedSafety.org, from ISMP, the nonprofit ISMP, unites pharmacists, nurses, and doctors to ensure safe medication practices, involving consumers like you in error prevention.
The Caregiver Action Network advocates for over 65 million Americans caring for loved ones with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or aging challenges.
​
Compare and rate websites aiding in locating suitable doctors, hospitals, and nursing homes, while offering insights into quality considerations.
The Joint Commission, a non-profit, accredits over 18,000 healthcare entities, signifying quality and commitment to set standards.
Medscapes' drug interactions checker assesses how drugs interact with each other or with food. It explains mechanisms, significance (major, moderate, minor), and suggests actions to manage interactions. Food interactions are also highlighted.
​
NeedyMeds is a national non-profit organization that maintains a website of free information on programs that help people who can't afford medications and healthcare costs.
New York-Specific
NY Ombudsman
The heart of the Long Term Care Ombudsmen Program is the team of certified Ombudsmen who are empowered to resolve issues surrounding the care and quality of life for people living in nursing homes and adult care facilities. Ombudsmen are there to represent the residents' interests. It is the residents' desires and needs that are considered and acted upon.
​NY State Hospital Profile
Use this site to find information about hospitals in New York State, and the quality of care they provide.
NY State Physician Profiles
Here you will find information on all licensed doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathy registered to practice in New York State. Information is self-reported by the physician
If You Have a Concern About Quality in a NY Hospital
If You Have a Concern About Quality in a NY Nursing Home
If You Have a Concern About Quality in a NY Doctor's Office
​
HelpLines
-
Adult Care and Assisted Living Complaints 1-866-893-6772
-
Home Care and Hospice Complaints 1-800-628-5972
-
Hospital Patient Care Complaints 1-800-804-5447
-
Hospital and Diagnostic and Treatment Center Complaints 1-800-804-5447
-
Laboratory Complaints 1-800-682-6056
-
Medicaid Fraud Hotline 1-877-87FRAUD
-
Managed Care Complaints 1-800-206-8125
-
Nursing Home Patient Care Complaints 1-888-201-4563
-
Professional Medical Conduct Complaints 1-800-663-6114
-
The Joint Commission 1-800 994-6610
