Medicine errors can happen when you're in the hospital. As an active patient, you can keep careful track of the medicines you're getting and help prevent mistakes. Here are some things you can do to monitor your medicines and stay safe. If you are allergic to a drug, check your wristband to be sure it lists all drug...

Discusses mammogram, an X-ray test of the breasts used to screen for breast problems. Covers at what ages women should have a mammogram. Discusses how it is done and how to prepare for it. Covers possible results.

Explains liver biopsy, also called percutaneous liver biopsy, a test used to look for liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, and cancer. Covers how to prepare and what to expect. Includes what results mean. Also lists risks.

Discusses antibody test used to detect Lyme disease. Covers two types of test (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot test). Covers why and how they are done. Includes info on what results mean.

Interactive tool guides you through questions to determine what health screenings you might need to prevent or diagnose diseases. Provides links to more extensive info on early disease detection and immunizations.

Many people see more than one doctor or health professional. Your primary care doctor, such as your internist or family doctor, may refer you to another doctor for a problem. You may see a specialist for another health concern. You may need a surgeon. Having many doctors can help you get the best care, but it also can...

Make a chart with three columns and as many rows you need for your exercises. The chart can help you see your progress in the level 1 and level 2 exercises for vertigo. Put the date in the first column. In the second column, write down how many times you did the exercise and whether you had your eyes open or closed. In...

An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP) test checks the tubes (ducts) that drain the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. A flexible, lighted scope ( endoscope) and X-ray pictures are used. The scope is put through the mouth and gently moved down the throat. It goes through your esophagus, stomach, and...

Make a chart with three columns and as many rows you need for your walks. The chart can help you see your progress in the walking exercises for vertigo. Put the date in the first column, how far you walked or how many times you were able to do the exercises in the second column, and how you felt in the third column...

Some medicines can affect your heart and make your heart failure worse. Others may keep your heart failure medicines from working right. So it's important to be careful with medicines. These include NSAID pain relievers and medicines that speed up the heart rate. Over-the-counter medicines that you may need to avoid...

What does "high risk" mean? "High risk" means that a medicine can cause serious health problems or accidents. Some high-risk medicines include muscle relaxers, anxiety and sleep medicines, opioid pain medicines, and some over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines. They're called high-risk because they may make you feel...

Learn about creating a legal form that describes the care you want during a mental health crisis.

Discusses kidney biopsy (also called percutaneous renal biopsy) done with a long, thin needle to remove a sample of kidney tissue. Covers how it may be done to check for kidney disease or after a kidney transplant. Explains how it's done, risks, and results.

A cystoscopy is a procedure that lets a doctor look inside your bladder and urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The doctor uses a thin, lighted tool called a cystoscope. With this tool, the doctor can look for kidney or bladder stones. The doctor can also look for...

A heart failure action plan gives you an easy way to check your symptoms and see changes. The plan also tells you when you need to get help. Your doctor may give you a plan, or you might create one together. You'll use your plan every day. It takes the guesswork out of knowing when symptoms mean you should call your...

Finding the right nursing home can help you feel safe and cared for. A good first step to choosing a nursing home is to make a list of homes you might be interested in. Talk to family, friends, doctors, and others to get recommendations of good nursing homes. If you can, it's good to plan ahead so you have time to learn...

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a type of test that can identify specific types of genetic material (DNA) in a small sample. PCR is useful for many purposes, such as for: Finding out what type of bacteria, virus, or fungus is causing an infection. Law enforcement, to identify a person who may have committed a crime...

Thoracentesis (say "thor-uh-sen-TEE-sis") is a procedure to remove fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This is called the pleural space. The procedure may also be called a "chest tap." It is normal to have a small amount of fluid in the pleural space. But too much fluid can build up because of...

Alan is something of a miracle man. At the age of 32, he had a massive heart attack. But more than 40 years, 4 bypass surgeries, 30 angioplasties, and a combined pacemaker/defibrillator later, he's still thriving. He learned how to cope with heart disease the hard way. Alan had always been healthy and athletic. Except...

A transesophageal echocardiogram is a test to help your doctor look at the inside of your heart. A small device called a transducer directs sound waves toward your heart. The sound waves make a picture of the heart's valves and chambers. Your doctor may do this test to look for certain types of heart disease. Or it may...