N o one can control when hospitalization for an ailment or operation will be necessary. But if a hospital stay is necessary, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of injury and infection -- and enhance your comfort and care.

BEFORE YOU GO

Be sure you need the treatment. All procedures -- and hospital stays -- involve risk. Get a second opinion before having any procedure. If the second doctor disagrees with the first, get a third... or fourth opinion to get a consensus.

Example: If your first doctor urges you to have a bypass, but two or three other cardiac specialists feel your condition can be treated effectively with medication and diet, you would probably be wise to accept the recommendation of the majority.

Have all your preoperative tests done as an outpatient prior to admission -- preferably several days in advance. You don’t want to be admitted to the hospital only to discover that a blood test or an X ray indicates your surgery should be postponed. This unnecessarily prolongs your hospital stay and increases your costs.

Meet with your anesthesiologist or nurse-anesthetist before being admitted to the hospital. Give him/her a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Tell him about any medical conditions you may have.

Make sure that everyone involved in your surgery knows precisely what it’s all about. Remind the nurses, attendants, anesthesiologist and surgeon of exactly what the operation is for and what should be operated on.

IN THE HOSPITAL

Have a friend or relative visit you each day for companionship and to speak up for you if you are not able to. Studies show that patients who ask the most questions -- or who have family members who ask questions -- get better care and have better outcomes than those who don’t.

Understand that you can say no to anything. One of your most important rights as a patient is your right to refuse services and treatments you don’t want or understand.

Example: If you are getting a good night’s rest without taking a sleeping pill, you can refuse the sedatives that are routinely administered to patients.

Above all, if you suspect that a doctor, nurse or other staff member is incompetent or negligent, call it to the attention of hospital authorities.

If hospital administrators don’t correct the situation, ask for advice from an attorney who specializes in malpractice. If necessary, change doctors or even hospitals.

Many patients do not realize that they have the right to fire their doctor at any time and to leave the hospital whenever they wish.

Question all tests. Patients are sometimes given routine tests that are either unnecessary -- such as X rays or blood tests -- or are meant for other patients.

Key: Ask your doctor to tell you about every test in advance. If you were not advised of a test, ask the person who was sent to administer it whether your doctor ordered it... why the test is necessary... and what the risks are.

Reduce your risk of medication mishaps. Ask your doctor to show you the drugs he/she is prescribing while you’re in the hospital. Note the shapes, colors and sizes.

Ask your doctor what each pill is for and how often it should be administered. Keep a list so you don’t forget.

If a nurse tries to give you an unfamiliar pill or liquid, refuse to take it until your doctor has been contacted, and has identified and approved the medication.

Ask your doctor if the food you’re served will have an adverse effect on your medication. If it will, have him arrange the appropriate diet.

Curb your risk of infection by politely asking everyone who touches you -- doctors, nurses, technicians -- to wash their hands in the sink in your room. Unwashed hands are the leading cause of infections in hospitals because doctors and nurses commonly move from room to room carrying germs. Ask personnel to put on a fresh pair of gloves before touching you.

If you have a catheter, ask that hospital personnel monitor it at least three or four times a day. A faulty catheter is an open door to infection.

Insist that your bathroom be cleaned and disinfected daily, especially if you share a room.

If your medication does not sufficiently control discomfort, ask a nurse to call your physician and get approval to increase the dose.

Also helpful: Ask about less expensive, alternative methods of pain management that the hospital may offer, including acupuncture, relaxation techniques and biofeedback.

PURSUING DISPUTES

Not every mistake in a hospital is reason for a lawsuit. But if the error causes serious damage and you suspect negligence or (in rare cases) intent, check with an attorney.

Retain a malpractice lawyer. Ask for recommendations from your regular attorney, the local bar association or the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 202-965-3500... www.atlanet.org.

A reputable malpractice attorney can assess your chances of a successful lawsuit.