Care Choices

"Whichever health care professional you choose to visit, your health depends on good communication. Asking questions and providing information to your doctor and other care providers can improve your care because quality health care is a team effort and you play an important role. Preparing questions before your appointment can help you feel less rushed. Doctors want your questions, and although they know a lot about many things, they do not always know everything about you or what is best for you. Your questions give your doctor and health care team important information about your most important health care concerns, which is why you need to speak up. Health facilities are places that provide health care, including hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, and specialized care centers such as birthing centers and psychiatric care centers. When choosing a health facility, consider how close it is, whether your health insurance will pay for services there, whether your health care provider can treat you there, and the quality of the facility. Quality is important because some facilities do a better job than others. Report cards developed by state and consumer groups can help you learn about quality. Look for a hospital accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, rated highly by the state and consumer groups or other organizations, experienced and successful in treating your condition, and committed to monitoring and improving quality of care. For a nursing home or other long-term care facility, look for one found by state agencies and other groups to provide quality care and one that provides the level of care, staff, and services that meet your needs."