Improving Health Care Quality

Choosing Quality Health Care

Here are some tips for including quality in your health care decisions. Such decisions involve health plans, doctors, treatments, hospitals, and long-term care.

Look for a health plan that:

• Has been given high ratings by its members on the things that are important to you.
• Does a good job of helping people stay well and get better.
• Has the doctors and hospitals you want or need.
• Provides the benefits (covered services) you need.
• Provides services where and when you need them.

Look for a doctor who:

• Has received high ratings for quality of care.
• Has the training and experience to meet your needs.
• Takes steps to prevent illness—for example, will talk to you about getting the screening tests that are right for you.
• Can get you admitted to or treat you at the hospital of your choice.
• Is part of your health plan, unless you are willing to pay extra.
• Will work with you to make decisions about your health care.

When choosing a treatment, make sure you understand:

• Your diagnosis.
• How soon you need to be treated.
• Your treatment choices.
• Whether the treatments are based on the latest scientific evidence.
• The benefits and risks of each treatment.
• The costs of each treatment.
• How much experience your doctor has in treating your condition.

Look for a hospital that:

• Is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
• Is rated highly by the State and by consumer groups or other organizations.
• Is one where your doctor can treat you.
• Is covered by your health plan.
• Has a lot of experience and success with your condition.
• Monitors quality of care and works to improve quality.

Look for a long-term-care facility that:

• Has been found by State agencies and other groups to provide quality care.
• Provides a level of care, including staff and services, that will meet your needs.

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