Selecting quality health care services for yourself, a relative or friend requires special thought and attention. The Joint Commission has prepared this information to assist you in making your selection. Knowing what to look for and what to ask will help you choose a facility that provides quality care and best meets your needs.
You may not always have the opportunity to choose the hospital from which you receive care, especially in an emergency. However, when you or a loved one has a planned admission to the hospital, obtaining some important information first can help make your hospital experience a positive one.
Begin by asking your doctor about the advantages or special characteristics of each hospital where he or she practices. Your doctor can help you select the hospital that is best for you. You should also verify which hospitals are accepted by your insurance, HMO or PPO plan. Then ask the following questions to help you determine which hospital meets your needs.
General questions
- Is the hospital conveniently located? Can you and your family get there easily for scheduled as well as emergency medical care?
- Is the hospital accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, such as The Joint Commission? Joint Commission accreditation means the organization voluntarily sought accreditation and met national health and safety standards. The Joint Commission provides on-site surveys to review the hospital's medical and nursing care, physical condition, life safety program, special care units, pharmaceutical services, infection control procedures and a number of other areas affecting patient care.
- Does the hospital have a written description of its services and fees? What resources does the hospital provide to help you find financial assistance if you need it?
- Is the hospital clean? Visit the hospital and look around. Ask to see the waiting rooms and patient rooms.
Questions about your specific needs
- Do the services and specialties provided by the hospital meet your specific medical needs? Do you have a medical condition requiring specialized attention? Your medical history and current medical condition may affect the type of hospital you choose.
- Do you know the hospital's success record in carrying out the specific medical procedure you need? What is the training of the doctor who will perform the procedure? Ask how often the particular procedure is done.
- Does the hospital explain the patient's rights and responsibilities? Ask to see a copy of the hospital's patient rights and responsibilities information.
- Do you know who is responsible for maintaining your personal care plan? How are the care givers kept informed about your specific care needs? Can you or your family be kept up-to-date on your medical care?
- Does the hospital have social workers? Ask what services the social workers provide. Social workers usually help patients and their families find emotional, social, clinical, physical and financial support services.
Questions about discharge planning
- Will a discharge plan be developed for you before you leave the hospital? Ask what services are available and what your primary care doctor's involvement will be.
- Does the hospital provide you with the necessary training to continue your care in your home after you have been discharged? Ask what training is provided in changing bandages, taking medications or using medical equipment or devices. Does the hospital provide you with easy-to-understand written instructions?
To find out if the hospital 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 provides Quality Reports that include information on the organization's overall performance level and how it compares to other organizations nationwide and statewide in specific performance areas. If a report is not available on Quality Check, or if you would like a printed copy, please call the Customer Service Center at (630) 792-5800.
To report information or concerns about accredited organizations: