Book excerpt: This year 176,445 patients in the U.S. will die due to preventable errors, infections, and medication mistakes. This book explains the simple steps you must take to avoid being one of them. Safety systems expert Steve Harden shows you how to pick a great doctor and a great hospital for yourself or your loved ones, and how to be vigilant and prevent the mistakes that plague patient care, including wrong surgeries, blood clots after operations, and inaccurate and sometimes deadly prescription errors. This wise and practical book includes such topics as: Secrets for choosing a good doctor Nine questions to ask before you go to the hospital Ten keys to taking charge of your health care Ten secrets for a safe surgery