Be Part of the Health Care Team

You, as your loved one's caregiver, are part of the health care team along with the attending physician, nurses, and hospital social worker or case manager. As part of the team, here are some things you should do when your loved one is hospitalized:

• Meet your loved one's attending physician. The attending physician is the primary doctor responsible for your loved one's care while in the hospital. The attending physician can explain your loved one's treatment plan while in the hospital. If you do not understand the treatment plan, ask questions until you feel comfortable with the answers. Make sure you also know how to reach the attending physician (by phone or pager).



• Make sure the face sheet of your loved one's hospital chart contains your name and correct phone numbers.



• Get to know the hospital nurses who care for your loved one. They can be an excellent source of information and support, and can direct you to speak with the attending physician when necessary.



• Speak with the hospital social worker or case manager. He or she can help with any hospital discharge issues, including the necessary follow-up when your loved one leaves the hospital, home health equipment your loved one might need, and resources such as hospice care. The social worker can also provide support to you as well as to your loved one. .com if we may be of further assistance to you.

This Web site is sponsored by the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. Please understand that the information provided is not legal advice, but is simply offered as a resource to help you learn about leukemia, lymphoma and benzene.

Benzene can cause leukemia and lymphoma and other blood cancers and disorders. If you have been diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma cancer and would like information about your legal rights, please call us at 800-946-9646 or e-mail us at

Please also visit our glossary for helpful definitions of medical terms relating to the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.