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Reminders for Choosing Quality Health Care
Posted: Nov. 1, 2007
Here are some tips for making quality a key factor in your decisions about health plans, doctors, treatments and hospitals.
Look for a health plan that:
- Has been given high ratings by its members on the things that are important to you
- Has the doctors and hospitals you want or need
- Provides the benefits (covered services) you need
- Provides services where and when you need them
- Has a documented history of doing a good job of preventing and treating illness
Look for a doctor who:
- Has received high ratings for quality of care
- Has the training and experience to meet your needs
- Will work with you to make decisions about your health care
If you become ill, make sure you understand:
- Your diagnosis
- How soon you need to be treated
- our treatment choices, including the benefits and risks of each treatment
- How much experience your doctor has in treating your condition
Look for a hospital that:
- Is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
- Is rated highly by the state and by consumer groups or other organizations
- Has a lot of experience and success in treating your condition
- Monitors quality of care and works to improve quality
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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