Compare Hospitals In Your Area

Answer 1

When you are sick or injured, you want to make sure that you receive the best care possible. Although you may have to travel miles to get to a hospital in a rural area, you frequently have a wider selection of hospitals from which to choose in urban areas. You can select the best hospital in your area -- before you need to visit one -- by comparing them based on a few important factors.

Wait times

When comparing hospitals, you should first consider the wait times at each facility, especially in the emergency room. Long wait times frequently indicate overcrowding or under-staffing. This means that you might not receive the best medical care, because the hospital does not have enough personnel to deal with its patient numbers. In addition, doctors may have to work longer hours and may face pressure to rush. Try to select a hospital that has shorter wait times to increase the likelihood that your problem is dealt with quickly.

Board certification

Make sure that the hospital requires doctors to have a certification by an established medical board like the American Board of Medical Specialties. This requirement ensures that your doctor has a reached minimum standard of training and knowledge before he or she can practice at that hospital.

Amenities

Compare the amenities among the hospitals in your area, especially if you are planning a surgery or other in-patient procedure. Consider any factors that may increase or decrease your comfort, such as the number of beds; ask whether or not bed shortages could impact whether you have a private or shared room. The quality of the food is important, too, especially if you may eat several meals during your stay. Finally, find out if the hospitals allow guests to stay and what kinds of amenities, if any, are available for your guests.

Some hospitals have roll-away beds or cots and pillows for those staying in your room.

Investigating and comparing hospitals before you get sick means that you can plan where you want to go in the event of illness. Choosing a hospital that meets your expectations and needs ahead of time can help to ensure your comfort, even if you are hospitalized.