Choosing quality health care services for yourself, a family member or a close friend is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Knowing what to look for and what to ask will help you choose an ambulatory care organization that provides quality care and best meets your needs—or those of a loved one.
Ambulatory care services include those provided by community health centers, medical practices, outpatient clinics, student health services, urgent/emergency care centers and specialty services such as cardiac catheterization centers, imaging centers, and surgery centers.
Begin by asking your doctor or insurance case manager to recommend several conveniently located ambulatory care organizations. Visit or call each one and talk with the manager or other staff members about the organization's services, policies, history and staff credentials. Then use the following questions to determine whether the organization meets your needs.
General questions
- Does the organization explain your rights and responsibilities as a patient? Ask to see a copy of the organization's patient rights and responsibilities.
- Do you know the organization's policy regarding visitors? Are family members allowed in the recovery area?
- Does the organization maintain the confidentiality of patient files?
- How is confidentiality maintained and under what circumstances is specific patient information released?
- Does the organization have a written description of its services and fees? Is the organization able to help you find financial assistance if you need it? Will your insurance company reimburse you for the procedure?
- Is the organization licensed or certified by an appropriate state agency? Is the organization certified by Medicare?
- Is the organization accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body such as The Joint Commission? Joint Commission accreditation means the organization voluntarily seeks accreditation and meets national health and safety standards.
Questions about staff qualifications
- Are the professionals qualified to offer the services and procedures you need? Are the doctors certified by appropriate medical specialty boards? Do the doctors practice at nearby hospitals? Are staff nurses and other personnel trained in emergency services such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation?
- If anesthesia or sedation is necessary for your procedure, are those who will administer it trained or certified?
- If high-tech equipment such as a laser is used in procedures, is staff properly trained to use and care for the equipment?
Questions about emergency care
- Does the organization have a 24-hour telephone number you can call if a complication arises after the procedure? Who will answer the phone and what is the procedure for dealing with such emergencies after hours?
- Does the organization have an emergency patient care plan in case of a power failure or a natural disaster? In case of an emergency, will the organization still provide its services?
- Is the organization affiliated with any area hospitals? What is its transfer plan in case of an emergency?
Questions about your specific care
- What is the organization's success record for the specific medical procedure you need? What is the specific training of the doctor who will be performing the procedure? How often is the procedure performed?
- Does the doctor provide you with information about the procedure and its risks? Are the doctor and staff receptive to your questions?
To find out if the ambulatory care organization you are considering is accredited by The Joint Commission, see Quality Check® on this website. Quality Check is a search engine for health care organizations. Joint Commission-accredited organizations are identified by the Gold Seal of Approval on Quality Check.
Quality Check® also provides Quality Reports that include information on a Joint Commission-accredited organization's performance and how it compares to other organizations nationwide and statewide. If a report is not available on Quality Check® or you would like a printed copy, call the Customer Service Center, (630) 792-5800.