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Become a Smart Patient

By Dr. Mike Roizen and Dr. Oz, with Joint Commission Resources

Re: Going to the ER

Racing Hearts
Do you know how fast your local emergency room treats heart cases? What is their average time for getting heart attack patients into surgery? Hospitals are required to document their times. This info is also available on the Joint Commission's website at QualityCheck.org.

Is Your ER on the Level?
We bet you didn't know all ERs have a level number. Level 1 ERs are tops; they have specialists and high technology at the ready and are equipped to handle anything, most notably, trauma. You'll be lucky if you live near (or have your accident near) one. ERs that rate a level 2 or 3 have a narrower repertoire and fewer specialists.

Make friends with your pharmacist