If you educate yourself, you will be able to make the best decision for choosing a hospital or doctor and treatment for your specific condition. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Research your condition or disease
- Use the internet or library for information.
- Check out PinnacleHealth's convenient Online Health Encyclopedia.
- Know who wrote the information you are reading and their sources. Web sites should clearly state who sponsors the site, either at the bottom of each page or in an “About Us” section.
- Check when the article was last updated (or the publication last printed).
- Look at the site or the publication. Are there commercial sponsors that may influence the information presented?
- Identify key outcomes measures to use to compare physicians and hospitals.
- Print out or copy the information and take it to your doctor for his opinion.
Meet with your doctor
- Ask your doctor for a list of hospitals and doctors who have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating your condition.
- Use PinnacleHealth’s Online Physician Finder service for more doctors that specialize in your medical condition.
- Consider seeking a second opinion to make sure that your treatment plan is best for your unique situation.
- Meet with your doctor to discuss your options
- Prepare a list of questions before each appointment.
- Questions to ask include:
- Is my diagnosis accurate?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the latest treatments?
- What are the pros and cons of each treatment option?
- What if I delay treatment or not get treated?
- What are the possible risks or complications?
- Are there any side effects from the treatment?
- Do I really need surgery?
- Ask your doctor about his level of expertise with your condition.
Compare physicians and hospitals
- Gather data on quality criteria such as experience, range of services, research and education, patient satisfaction and outcomes on each physician and hospital.
- Use the data and information on this site for information about PinnacleHealth and national standards.
- Use the information you researched specific to your condition to guide your comparison.
- Select a physician and hospital to best meet your medical needs.