How Patients Can Evaluate Different Hospitals

An alarming disparity exists among hospitals and other health care facilities in the United States. Some hospitals provide stellar care, while others see continued medical errors or may be breeding grounds for infection. Clearly, where you stay can have a huge impact on both your current symptoms and long-term health. If possible, you’ll want to assess local options while you feel healthy to ensure that you make the right decision in the event of a medical emergency. The following are a few of the many factors worth considering as you select the best possible location for treatment:

Look at a Variety of Hospital Rankings

A variety of hospital rating systems are available. Each involves slightly different data evaluations, so it’s worth examining several highly-regarded rankings to get a full sense of your options. Start with the following ranking systems:

• Hospital Compare from Medicare and the Hospital Quality Alliance
• Consumer Reports’ Hospital Safety Ratings
• U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals
• The Leapfrog Group’s Hospital Safety Score

Consider Patient Reviews and Surveys

Official hospital rankings can prove useful, but they don’t always tell the full story. While statistics are certainly worth examining, you’ll also want to consider the elements of the patient experience that cannot be accurately conveyed via numbers alone. The Patients’ Perspective Survey from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) provides a valuable starting point. From there, feel free to examine ratings on Google, Facebook, and even Yelp, if available.

Word of mouth can also prove valuable, particularly if your friends and family members have suffered similar health problems. Keep in mind, however, that patient experiences can differ considerably; don’t automatically opt for one hospital based on a single good review or bypass another due to one negative comment.

If you suffered due to negligence in a hospital or other health care facility, you deserve assistance from a medical malpractice attorney who cares. Contact Regan Zambri Long PLLC today to learn more about your legal options.