The Life You Save: Nine Steps to Finding the Best Medical Care-and Avoiding the Worst - Softcover

Robert M. Wachter, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, author of Internal Bleeding and Understanding Patient Safety "Our healthcare system cures, but it also kills. This book thoughtfully chronicles the harm that can result from medical errors and poor quality care, and--most importantly--arms patients with information that will help them and their loved ones avoid becoming a victim. Read it, and stay safe." Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's Robert M. Wachter, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, author of "Internal Bleeding" and "Understanding Patient Safety" "Our healthcare system cures, but it also kills. This book thoughtfully chronicles the harm that can result from medical errors and poor quality care, and--most importantly--arms patients with information that will help them and their loved ones avoid becoming a victim. Read it, and stay safe." Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews" "As a broadcast journalist, I know the vital importance of checking facts. As Patrick Malone teaches us in his great new book, nothing can be more important than checking the facts about your own health. It's a matter of life and death." Sidney Wolfe, MD; Editor, Worstpills.org; Director, Health Research Group at Public Citizen "Patrick Malone has compiled a remarkably well-researched set of you-cannot-afford-not-to steps to take, aided by a series of life- saving checklists of questions patients need to ask, that can make the difference between getting excellent medical care or becoming a victim of impaired health, or even death, from much worse care. Doctors and other health professionals make mistakes too often to justify a false sense of security. This important book teaches patients and their families how to catch them before they cause injury or death." Sorrel King, The Josie King Foundation "Patrick Malone has written a book that really could save a life. With his moving real life stories and his brilliant advice this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about their health and well-being." Joan Claybrook, former President of Public Citizen "This highly practical book guides you through the essential steps for maintaining your health and avoiding medical mistakes. An invaluable resource!" Nancy Conrad, Founder and Chairman of the Conrad Foundation "Patrick Malone has what Pete Conrad would call 'The Right Stuff.' We owe him a debt of gratitude for focusing a beam of light on saving lives." "Library Journal" "Verdict: A thorough and up-to-date addition to patient-empowerment literature; recommended for readers interested in health, consumer, and legal issues." "Living Without," January 2010 "[O]ne of the most important books you'll read this year."

Millions of Americans suffer from indifferent, outdated health care; an estimated 40,000 incidents of medical harm happen every day. The good news is that you can prevent this from happening to you or a family member. Better yet, you can find the very best care in the world. Patrick Malone's sensible advice and real-life anecdotes will inspire you to take charge of your own health care, make the best choices, and avoid serious harm. With the "Necessary Nine"--the essential steps to finding the best medical care--The Life You Save offers vital information such as: - The single most important question you can ask your doctor - When to know you have symptoms your doctor should not shrug off - Checklists to help you get out of the hospital in one piece - Where to locate the best surgeons and safest hospitals