Selecting the Right Hospital for You
How can you select a hospital that is right for you? The hospital you select may be known for a particular area of medicine. Or you may select a hospital based on its accreditation and safety standards. The attorneys at the Patton Law Practice know the importance of selecting a hospital with high standards.
Select a hospital based on your comfort and concerns.
Be an informed and empowered patient.
In some situations, you don't have a choice of hospitals because of an emergency or a lack of facilities to choose from. But if you know you have a hospital stay coming up, take the time to research hospitals in your area.
- Ask your friends and relatives about their experiences. Did they feel comfortable in a particular hospital? Did they feel cared for by the nursing staff? Did the hospital add to their medical problems — such as by causing an infection or not having enough staff?
- Does the hospital have the experience you need? Some hospitals have facilities especially suited for cardiac care, for example. Ask about the facilities and how they fit your needs.
- How does the Joint Commission rate the hospital? Every year, the Joint Commission surveys hospitals nationwide to determine their progress toward better patient safety. There is no hospital with a perfect record, but many are clearly making great strides toward higher quality care. Hospitals are evaluated on a wide range of factors including air handling systems, how surgical procedures are done, lab testing processes, accuracy of paperwork, cleanliness and continuous quality improvement in every area.
- Use the buddy system. If you are going to be in a hospital, it is a good idea to have a friend or relative monitor your care.
If you want to talk to a lawyer about hospital safety standards and selecting a hospital, we welcome questions from concerned patients and families in Arizona and throughout the United States. Call the Patton Law Practice at 1-888-905-9208.
