There are many people involved in ensuring that you or your family member get good medical care. The most important member of the team is you. You need to be an active participant in the healthcare process. By speaking up for yourself and your family members, you become the center of the healthcare team.

S - Speak up if you have any questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again.
P - Pay attention to the care you're receiving.
E - Educate yourself about your diagnosis, medical tests and treatment plan.
A - Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate.
K - Know what medications you take and why.
U - Use a health care organization that has undergone rigorous on-site evaluation.
P - Participate in all decisions about your treatment.

Research has shown that science-based measures can be used to assess quality for various conditions and for specific types of care.  For example, quality health care is doing the right thing by getting the health services you need:

• At the right time - when you need them;
• In the right way - by using the appropriate test or procedure;
• To achieve the best possible results.