How to Know Whether Your Hospital Is Great, Bad, or Somewhere In Between

United States hospitals vary dramatically in quality. Some maintain an exceptional standard of care, while others exhibit shocking negligence on a daily basis. Don’t assume that your hospital is the former. The following suggestions will help you determine whether you should continue with the status quo or find a new facility:

Take Advantage of Hospital Ratings

Numerous scales are available to help you determine how your hospital stacks up compared to other options. Each rating scale holds different criteria; examine several to get a well-rounded take on your hospital. Top options include:

• Leapfrog
• Medicare’s Hospital Compare
• Hospital Safety Grade
• Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS)

Patient reviews can also prove valuable, although they should be examined with a grain of salt. While the rating systems highlighted above tend to offer a statistical take on outcomes, patient ratings can provide in-depth feedback regarding bedside manner, the billing process, and other key considerations.

Ask Questions

Ratings can help you gain a better sense of the broad standard of care available at any given hospital. If, however, you’re looking to get specific, you’ll want to conduct your own research. After all, hospitals can differ considerably from one department to the next.

Before you select a hospital, be sure to ask the following questions:

• Is the hospital or specific department accredited by a nationally recognized body?
• Are the hospital’s physicians board certified in their respective niches?
• How often do patient overflows occur? How are overflows addressed?
• How are students or residents utilized?

If possible, take a tour of the hospital to gain a better sense for how it operates. You won’t regret taking extra steps to ensure that your health lies in the most capable of hands.

Did hospital-based negligence prompt undue physical or emotional suffering? A medical malpractice lawsuit may be your best option for securing justice. Contact Regan Zambri Long PLLC today to learn more about your options.