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With medical missteps in the news recently, communications between patients and their physicians and hospital care givers assumes an even greater importance.

Mark Rogers, RN, quality management director at Hill Country Memorial Hospital, will lead a free Good Health School Aug. 1 on important things to communicate to those who are caring for you whether it’s in a doctor’s office or in a hospital.

“Even if it makes you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, your care providers need personal information,” he said. “Statistics have clearly shown that a breakdown in communication is the primary reason why bad things can happen to patients.”

Rogers, a certified professional in health care quality, will discuss some leading reasons for such communication breakdowns and offer some simple ways patients can better protect themselves. “If you have questions about any aspect of your care in a doctor’s office or in the hospital setting, ask them,” he said. “There are no dumb questions in health care. Besides, if you don’t ask questions, your doctor or other care giver may think you understand everything that was said.”

The Good Health School will begin at noon at the Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center, 1006 State Hwy. 16 South in Fredericksburg. Although admission is free, reservations are encouraged for planning purposes. To sign up, please call the Wellness Center at 830-997-1355.