Children's Hospital

Choosing a Hospital

Step 1: Learn about the care you need and your hospital choices

Talk to your doctor / health care provider about the following:

• Find out which hospitals they work with.
• Ask which hospitals they think give the best care for your condition (ie: have enough staffing, coordinate care, promote medication safetyh, and prevent infection).
• Ask how well these hospitals check and improve their quality of care. Do the hospitals participate in Medicare?

Based on your condition, ask your doctor / health care provider questions such as:

• Which hospitals have the best experience with your condition?
• Should you consider a specialty hospital, teaching hospital (usually part of a university), community hospital, or one that does research or has clinical trials related to your condition?
• If you need a surgeon or other type of specialist, what is his or her experience and success treating your condition?
• Who will be responsible for you overall care while you're in the hospital?
• Will you need care after leaving the hospital and, if so, what kind of care? who will arrange this care?
• Are there any alternative s to hospital care?

Step 2: Think about your personal and financial needs

Check your hospital insurance coverage:

• Do you need permission from your health plan (like a pre-authorization or a referral) before you're admitted for hospital care?
• If you need care that's not emergency care, do you have to use certain hospitals? Do you have to see certain surgeons or specialists?
• Do you have to pay more to use a hospital (surgeon or specialist) that doesn't participate in your plan?
• Do you need to meet certain requirements to get care after you leave the hospital?
• If you don't have insurance, call the hospital before you're admitted, and ask to speak to someone about setting up a payment plan or other resources to help with payment.

Think about your preferences

• Do you want a hospital near family members or friends?
• Does the hospital have convenient visiting hours and other rules that are important to you? Ffor example, can a relative or someone helping with your care stay overnight in the room with you?

Step 3: Discuss your hospital options, and choose a hospital

Talk with family members or friends about the hospitals you're comparing. Talk to your doctor or health care provider how the hospital information you gathered applies to you. Use an online tool like healthcarecomps.com to compare and find a hospital that is best for you.