Since hospitals and physicians vary in these areas, you can use these criteria to compare them.
Credentials
Hospitals
Across the United States, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) evaluates and accredits more than 15,000 health care organizations. Accreditation from this independent, non-profit organization is a recognized symbol of quality, demonstrating an organization's achievement of performance standards. JCAHO accreditation requires successful completion on an on-site survey at least every three years. For more information, check out their web site at
www.jcaho.org.
Physicians
For physicians, board certification is a good indicator of competence and experience. To achieve board certification, a physician must practice for a specific period of time and pass a written and oral examination. Information regarding board certification is available through the American Medical Association's web site at
www.ama-assn.org.
Experience
Research has shown that the more experience a doctor or hospital has with a procedure or treatment, the better the results for the patient (Annals of Internal Medicine, September 17, 2002). Ask your doctor or hospital what their volume is for the procedure you are contemplating.
Range of Services
A hospital offering a wide range of services gives patients and their physicians more options for treatment. These hospitals are better equipped to treat more complex medical conditions and manage complications if they arise. With access to a broad range of services, you can be assured that your treatment plan will best fit your unique medical needs.
Research and Education
Hospitals participating in clinical trials have access to cutting edge procedures and technology in addition to traditional methods. Patients directly benefit from having latest diagnostic and treatment options available to them.
Patient Satisfaction
Patient satisfaction information will help you understand what your experience will likely be in terms of the personal care you receive. This data may range from showing how doctors and nurses will listen, answer questions and explain treatments to the quality of food.
Outcomes
Risks vary for many reasons, including being seriously ill, requiring complex surgical procedures, or presenting with multiple health concerns. It is impossible to eliminate risk of death or complications, but you can improve your risk by choosing a hospital with a lower mortality rate and/or a higher long-term survival or success rate.