If you ever need to be in the hospital: keep track of each doctor who sees you in consultation.

Write down what the specialty is, ASK QUESTIONS about every lab test, or other procedure. Why is it necessary?  Who ordered it?  Has anyone else ordered it? If it's a repeat test (or redundant test, which is different), ask whether the doctor is aware that this was just done and the reason (if any) for the second test.

Do NOT assume that one doc actually knows what another doctor said, or wrote in the chart — often, they don't read what's in there and haven't touched base with the other doctor.

Remember, they're all running around trying to see many patients. Just because it's logical, doesn't mean that there has been communication.

Be warned.

In short, trust no one.

Or better yet, to echo President Reagan, "Trust, but verify."