Select the best hospital
efore you have an injury or become ill, it is important to select a hospital in your area that will suit your needs. By checking its services in advance, you can make an informed decision in the event of an emergency. Most hospitals follow similar practices and procedures, but not all facilities are the same. The presence of innovative equipment and friendly staff can make some facilities better than their counterparts. Here are some factors that can help you choose the best hospital in your city.
Location will play a large role in your choice. The hospital should be close to your home or workplace. Some people will only have one hospital in their area. Choosing a different facility will not only add travel time; it is simply not practical. After all, when an emergency occurs, you will need to get to qualified personnel as soon as possible. But if you have a medical condition that an alternative facility farther away specializes in, that hospital might be a good choice. You will have to balance convenience with your personal circumstances.
"When choosing a hospital or facility for your health care needs, it's important to think beyond services offered,” said Tony Hardage, administrator at Baptist Health Medical Center–Arkadelphia. “Keep in mind the patient experience and utilizing your caregiver to be your guide to health. Here at Baptist Health, we believe that we are more than a business; we're a healing ministry.”
Your preferred doctor should have privileges at the facility you choose. Physicians send patients to specific hospitals because it is convenient. The doctors are familiar with the site and can use the equipment there. Check with your doctor about where he or she can work.
Insurance carriers will pay the cost of services from a preferred provider, including hospitals. Verify which hospitals are in your carrier’s network. If you choose a facility that is not covered by your policy, you run the risk of incurring significant charges.
Another consideration is what other features a hospital may offer. For example, a hospital may be accredited with the Joint Commission, an organization that verifies specific standards of care within medical facilities. Accreditation means that the hospital has passed frequent performance reviews. You can be confident that you are receiving quality care.
Awards and other certifications indicate that a hospital offers consistent care.
Hospitals often have several areas in which they specialize. For example, two hospitals in the same city may offer care, but one might specialize in gastroenterology, while another has an advanced cardiac unit.
Choosing the right hospital for your procedure will ensure that you receive the highest level of care. In fact, some hospitals will transfer patients to another facility if it has better equipment and specialists.
Determining the highest-quality hospital for your condition will help you achieve the best outcome during instances of illness or injury. Since hospitals offer a variety of care and service types, it is vital to analyze all the options before you decide on one. By knowing the facts and keeping your own priorities in mind, you will make a wise choice when selecting the hospital that is best for you. — Courtesy of Green Shoot Media, with contributions by Sarah DeClerk, special sections writer