Quick Checks for Quality
                                       
   Choosing Quality Health Care
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   "Quick Checks for Quality" summarizes the major ways you can check for
   quality in health care. The information in it comes from "Your Guide
   to Choosing Quality Health Care," which is based on research about the
   information people want and need when making decisions about health
   plans, doctors, treatments, hospitals, and long-term care.
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   Contents

   > Introduction
   > Quick Checks for Quality
   > Health Plans
   > Doctors
   > Treatments
   > Hospitals
   > Long-term Care
   
   Introduction

   Research shows that Americans want and value quality health care. The
   problem is that the quality of health care services varies in our
   country-a lot. For example, some health plans and doctors simply do a
   better job than others of helping you stay healthy and getting you
   better if you are ill.
   
   Fortunately, health care quality can be measured, and it can be
   improved. You can find out how in a new guide developed by the Agency
   for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) of the Department of
   Health and Human Services (HHS). Your Guide to Choosing Quality Health
   Care describes quality measures including consumer ratings, clinical
   performance measures, and accreditation—what they are, where to find
   them, and how to use them.
   
   The guide provides other information, such as the following "Quick
   Checks for Quality," that summarize the major ways you can check for
   quality health care.
   
   Quick Checks for Quality

      Look for a plan that:
	  
      [x] Has been rated highly by its members on the things that are
          important to you.
      [x] Does a good job of helping people stay well and get better.
      [x] Is accredited, if that is important to you.
      [x] Has the doctors and hospitals you want or need.
      [x] Provides the benefits you need.
      [x] Provides services where and when you need them.
      [x] Meets your budget.
   
      Look for a doctor who:
	  
      [x] Is rated to give quality care.
      [x] Has the training and background that meet your needs.
      [x] Takes steps to prevent illness' for example, talks to you about
          quitting smoking.
      [x] Has privileges at the hospital of your choice.
      [x] Is part of your health plan, unless you can you afford to pay
          extra.
      [x] Encourages you to ask questions.
      [x] Listens to you.
      [x] Explains things clearly.
      [x] Treats you with respect.
   
      When choosing a treatment, make sure you understand:
	  
      [x] What your diagnosis is.
      [x] Whether treatment is really needed at this time.
      [x] What your treatment options are.
      [x] Whether the treatment options are based on the latest scientific
          evidence.
      [x] The benefits and risks of each treatment.
      [x] The cost of each treatment.
   
      Look for a hospital that:
	  
      [x] Is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
          Healthcare Organizations.
      [x] Is rated highly by State or consumer or other groups.
      [x] Is one where your doctor has privileges, if that is important
          to you.
      [x] Is covered by your health plan.
      [x] Has experience with your condition.
      [x] Has had success with your condition.
      [x] Checks and works to improve its own quality of care.
   
      Look for long-term care that:
	  
      [x] Has been found by State agencies, accreditors, or others to
          provide quality care.
      [x] Has the services you need.
      [x] Has staff that meet your needs.
      [x] Meets your budget.
   
   
   This initiative is one effort of the Department of Health and Human
   Services to address the findings of the President's Advisory
   Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care 
   Industry.
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   Current as of July 2001
   
   Send Questions & Comments to: info@ahrq.gov
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   Internet Citation:
   
   Quick Checks for Quality. 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/
   qntquick.htm
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