Learn the generic names for the medications that you take on a regular basis; you will eliminate confusion and be able to compare prices. You should also know general information about the drug, such as what other medications it interacts with and how best to take it. Your pharmacist can give you this information, or find it here.
Before you have a surgery or procedure done you can take a tour of the part of the hospital where it will occur, or where you will be recovering. Ask the nurses there which doctor they recommend- they know who they would go to if they were in your shoes. You can also ask them what personal effects would be best to bring with you, and what equipment you may need for your recovery.
Be aware of the qualifications of the "nurse" who is caring for you. Many companies have begun to use personnel with less training in traditional nursing roles because they are cheaper. This is not to say they are not qualified to care for you, but you deserve to know their level of qualification. Some examples include school nurses, professionals in urgent care clinics, and hospitals. Many "nurses" in our schools are not really nurses at all, and are poorly equipped to handle medical situations. Often there is one true nurse for multiple schools. I spoke with a nurse at a local urgent care company that said she is the only nurse for all their Tulsa sites, the rest are "care technicians". In the hospital most of the people who enter your room are not nurses, but helpers. Do not hesitate to ask health care personnel if they are a nurse. I know it's confusing, so I will list the true nursing titles:
NP- nurse practitioner: does many things a doctor can do. 8 years of school
RN- registered nurse: very knowledgeable nurse, may supervise other nurses. 4 years of school
LPN/LVN- licensed practicing nurse/licensed vocational nurse: general nurse. 2 years of school
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