Veterans' Health Issues Main Index

Medication Reconciliation: Because your Safety is Important to Us

"Medication reconciliation" is when your VA providers collect information about all the medicines you are taking. We need to know what medicine has been prescribed by VA providers and by any providers you see in the community.

We also need to know about over-thecounter or herbal medicines you take. We collect this information in order to reduce the chance you will take medicines that interact with each other.

How can you help?

1. Make a list of all the medicines you take at home. Be sure to include any over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal products, dietary supplements, or sample medicines that you are taking.
2. When you come to the hospital or to a clinic visit, bring this list with you. Your doctor will make any changes that are needed and then you will have a new list of medicines that you should be taking.
3. Give this updated list to all of the other doctors that you see.
4. Get all of your prescription medicines filled at the same pharmacy so the pharmacist can be aware of any problems with your medicines.
5. Ask questions of your doctor, nurse, or pharmacists! We are here to help you and to keep you safe.

Source:
Committee on Identifying and Preventing Medication Errors (2006) Preventing Medication Errors. Washington DC: NAP.

Submitted by:
Jennifer L. Zacher, PharmD, BCPP

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