 |
Additional Information
|
|
Quality
health care means doing the right thing, at the right time,
in the right way, for the right person-and having the best
possible results.
Although
we would like to think that every health plan, doctor, hospital,
and other provider gives high-quality care, this is not always
so. Quality varies, for many reasons.
Choosing a Doctor
It
is important to choose your doctor with care, because quality
varies. For example, the Pacific Business Group on Health
asked patients of California doctors' groups how they rated
their care. The results? More than 80 percent of the patients
said they were satisfied with their care. But fewer than two-thirds
were happy with the ease of getting that care.
Look
for a doctor who:
- Is rated to
give quality care.
- Has the training
and background that meet your needs.
- Takes steps
to prevent illness-for example, talks to you about quitting
smoking.
- Has privileges
at the hospital of your choice.
- Is part of
your health plan, unless you can you afford to pay extra.
- Encourages
you to ask questions.
- Listens to
you.
- Explains things
clearly.
- Treats you
with respect.
Choosing a Hospital
How
can you choose the best quality hospital for the care you
need? It is important to consider quality, because research
shows that some hospitals simply do a better job than others.
For example, we know that hospitals that do a greater number
of the same surgeries have better outcomes for their patients.
Look
for a hospital that:
- Is accredited
by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations.
- Is rated highly
by State or consumer or other groups.
- Is one where
your doctor has privileges, if that is important to you.
- Is covered
by your health plan.
- Has experience
with your condition.
- Has had success
with your condition.
- Checks and
works to improve its own quality of care.
To read the rest
of this excellent publication, Your Guide to Choosing Quality
Health Care, produced by the Agency for Health Care Policy
and Research please click here: http://www.ahcpr.gov/consumer/qntascii/qntcover.htm
|
Additional
Information