Tips on Searching for Quality Care at Hospitals and Medical Centers
We have all heard horror stories at hospitals.
Mistakes that have been made such as leaving an instrument inside a person during a surgery or operating on the wrong leg are the stuff that the news loves to show.
The truth is, for every horror story there are probably at least 20 positive, success stories.
Before you go to a hospital, there are a number of things that you can do to help research hospitals in your area or that specialize in your needs.
You can start small by asking family and friends their opinions, experiences and what they have heard.
This is a great place to start because we all trust our family and friends.
However, we also need to know that the opinion of one person might not be the same as your opinion.
For instance, I have a relative that I love but she is particular about everything.
Whenever she complains about something, I always have to keep this in the back of my mind.
Try searching local papers for information on various hospitals.
Many local papers have annual rankings of everything from hospitals to doctors to medical specialties.
You will probably find a consistency in the top ranked hospitals that will help you be able to formulate an opinion.
There is a children's hospital near us that not only ranks tops in this city but within the top 10 in the country.
I know if my children ever need medical care that this would be my hospital of choice.
Each year US News and World Report puts out an annual list of top ranked hospitals in the country and also rankings for specific specialties such as pediatrics, cancer care or cardiac care.
Other magazines and newspapers have similar national polls each year as well.
This is a great place to search if you willing to travel for your medical care, such as families who travel around the world to receive care for their children at St.
Jude's Hospital.
A little research will hopefully help you to find the right medical care for you and your family.
Mistakes that have been made such as leaving an instrument inside a person during a surgery or operating on the wrong leg are the stuff that the news loves to show.
The truth is, for every horror story there are probably at least 20 positive, success stories.
Before you go to a hospital, there are a number of things that you can do to help research hospitals in your area or that specialize in your needs.
You can start small by asking family and friends their opinions, experiences and what they have heard.
This is a great place to start because we all trust our family and friends.
However, we also need to know that the opinion of one person might not be the same as your opinion.
For instance, I have a relative that I love but she is particular about everything.
Whenever she complains about something, I always have to keep this in the back of my mind.
Try searching local papers for information on various hospitals.
Many local papers have annual rankings of everything from hospitals to doctors to medical specialties.
You will probably find a consistency in the top ranked hospitals that will help you be able to formulate an opinion.
There is a children's hospital near us that not only ranks tops in this city but within the top 10 in the country.
I know if my children ever need medical care that this would be my hospital of choice.
Each year US News and World Report puts out an annual list of top ranked hospitals in the country and also rankings for specific specialties such as pediatrics, cancer care or cardiac care.
Other magazines and newspapers have similar national polls each year as well.
This is a great place to search if you willing to travel for your medical care, such as families who travel around the world to receive care for their children at St.
Jude's Hospital.
A little research will hopefully help you to find the right medical care for you and your family.
