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Speak up! It could save your life.
When it comes to your health, communication could save your life. Dr. Mark R. Chassin talks to Kathleen about the importance of communication between patients and physicians (this is not the time to be embarrassed or modest), and why asking the right questions is vital at every stage of care.
Dr. Chassin offers concrete solutions including checklists, questions to ask regarding medications, surgeries and lab work, and when to ask for a second opinion. He also talks about patient resources through SPEAK UP, a campaign from The Joint Commission that helps patients be proactive about their care.
Mark R. Chassin, M.D., M.P.P., M.P.H., is president of The Joint Commission, where he oversees the activities of the nation’s predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Dr. Chassin received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University and a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He also holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of California at Los Angeles.
