Studies show that patients who regard themselves as partners in their medical treatment generally have better outcomes than those who feel helpless or not "in the know." That said, we encourage you to do some homework before agreeing to be admitted to a hospital for treatment or a procedure.

Here are some tips to help you find the hospital that’s right for your needs:

1. Before any hospital admission, review your plan benefits documents or check with your Benefits Administrator to make sure your plan will cover a stay in the hospital your physician recommends.
   
   
2. Some physicians are affiliated with more than one hospital. Ask your physician about the advantages or special characteristics of each hospital where he or she practices, and seek advice as to which hospital is best for your particular course of treatment.
   
   
3. Try to determine whether the hospital specializes in the care you need. Some hospitals have centers dedicated to certain procedures or issues. Another measure is how many procedures of the type you need are performed at the hospital annually. Your physician can tell you which hospitals have the most experience with your situation.
   
   
4. Find out how the hospital measures up from a quality standpoint. Ask the hospital for any outcome measurements, such as mortality rates, complication rates, or quality of life measurements they are willing to share with you.
   
   
5. Find out what the hospital’s nurse-to-patient ratio is. Appropriate nursing care can have a large impact on the quality of your experience. Also ask about their philosophy of patient care, and whether they survey patient satisfaction. The best hospitals will share the results with you.
   
   
6. Is the prospective hospital accredited? Check with the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) by calling their Customer Service center at (630) 792-5800 or visiting their Web site at www.jcaho.org.
   
   
7. Make sure you have your financial facts straight. Talk carefully with your benefits manager, review your policy, and speak with someone in the hospital benefits office - before you're admitted.
   
   
8. Don't forget to review your bill! Ask for explanations of charges you don't understand or procedures or services you don't remember receiving.
   

We wish you a positive hospital experience, and continued good health.