Before You Begin
                                       
   High-quality health care is something we all want. But research shows
   that many people do not have the information they need to make
   informed health care choices. The first step is to understand what
   quality means and how it is measured. To find out, read
   A Quick Look at Quality.
   
   This guide can help you find and use information about quality that is
   based on research. You can use this information as you make five
   important health care decisions:
    1. Choosing a Health Plan
    2. Choosing a Doctor
    3. Choosing Treatments
    4. Choosing a Hospital
    5. Choosing Long-Term Care
       
   It also tells how you can:
   
     * Improve communication with your doctor.
     * Keep track of your personal health history.
     * Get only the tests you need, and the most accurate results.
     * Find self-help groups for the support you need.
     * Make informed decisions about elective (non-emergency) surgery.
     * Find reliable health information on the Internet.
       
   Each section also has Quick Checks for Quality, checklists which
   summarize the major ways you can check for quality health care. If you
   want more detailed information, refer to the resources at the end of
   each section.
   
   This guide is not meant to be read all at once. Download or print it
   out and use it as a reference when you need it. Also, it isn't
   necessary or practical for any one person to do everything this guide
   suggests. Pick and choose what you need and what feels comfortable for
   you to try.
   
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   Current as of July 2001
   
   Send Questions & Comments to: info@ahrq.gov
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   Internet Citation:
   
   Before You Begin. Your Guide to Choosing Quality Health Care. AHCPR 
   Publication No. 99-0012,  July 2001. Agency for Healthcare Research
   and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/qntascii/
   qntb4.htm
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