This information is for reference purposes only. It was current when produced and may now be outdated. Archive material is no longer maintained, and some links may not work. Persons with disabilities having difficulty accessing this information should contact us at: https://info.ahrq.gov. Let us know the nature of the problem, the Web address of what you want, and your contact information.
Please go to www.ahrq.gov for current information.
Quick Checks for Quality
Choosing Quality Health Care
"Quick Checks for Quality" summarizes the major ways you can check for
quality in health care. The information in it comes from "Your Guide to Choosing Quality Health Care," which is based on research about the
information people want and need when making decisions about health
plans, doctors, treatments, hospitals, and long-term care.
Contents
Introduction
Research shows that Americans want and value quality health care. The
problem is that the quality of health care services varies in our
country—a lot. For example, some health plans and doctors simply do a
better job than others of helping you stay healthy and getting you
better if you are ill.
Fortunately, health care quality can be measured, and it can be
improved. You can find out how in a new guide developed by the Agency
for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) of the Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS). Your Guide to Choosing Quality Health
Care describes quality measures including consumer ratings, clinical
performance measures, and accreditation—what they are, where to find
them, and how to use them.
The guide provides other information, such as the following "Quick
Checks for Quality," that summarize the major ways you can check for
quality health care.
Top of Page 
Quick Checks for Quality
Look for a plan that:
- Has been rated highly by its members on the things that are
important to you.
- Does a good job of helping people stay well and get better.
- Is accredited, if that is important to you.
- Has the doctors and hospitals you want or need.
- Provides the benefits you need.
- Provides services where and when you need them.
- Meets your budget.
Top of Page
Look for a doctor who:
- Is rated to give quality care.
- Has the training and background that meet your needs.
- Takes steps to prevent illness' for example, talks to you about
quitting smoking.
- Has privileges at the hospital of your choice.
- Is part of your health plan, unless you can you afford to pay
extra.
- Encourages you to ask questions.
- Listens to you.
- Explains things clearly.
- Treats you with respect.
Top of Page
When choosing a treatment, make sure you understand:
- What your diagnosis is.
- Whether treatment is really needed at this time.
- What your treatment options are.
- Whether the treatment options are based on the latest scientific
evidence.
- The benefits and risks of each treatment.
- The cost of each treatment.
Top of Page
Look for a hospital that:
- Is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations.
- Is rated highly by State or consumer or other groups.
- Is one where your doctor has privileges, if that is important
to you.
- Is covered by your health plan.
- Has experience with your condition.
- Has had success with your condition.
- Checks and works to improve its own quality of care.
Top of Page
Look for long-term care that:
- Has been found by State agencies, accreditors, or others to
provide quality care.
- Has the services you need.
- Has staff that meet your needs.
- Meets your budget.
This initiative is one effort of the Department of Health and Human
Services to address the findings of the President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry.
Top of Page
AHRQ Publication No. 99-0012
Current as of July 2001
Previous Section
Contents
5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857