by Ira Dreyfuss
How can you help your children get the best health care possible when they visit the pediatrician? By talking with your kid's doctor, answering his or her questions, and asking lots of questions yourself. It’s a good way to avoid potential mistakes in care.

The director of HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Dr. Carolyn Clancy, has some advice on how to help the doctor get things right:

"The single most important way you can help to prevent errors is to be an active member of your child’s health care team. That means taking part in every decision about your child’s health care, reading the labels for any medication, and making sure you get clear instructions from your child’s health care providers.’’

Learn more at hhs.gov.