Finding the right hospital can be difficult.To find out which surgeons and facilities will meet your needs, you should consult with your primary care doctor and your insurance provider.You should review the different hospitals and look at the data on things like success and complication rates.You should discuss the procedure with different surgeons and see if there are any alternative treatments.
Step 1: Talk to your doctor.
To find a surgeon and location for your operation, you need to talk to your primary care provider.It is possible that your primary care doctor needs to refer you to a surgeon.They are likely to recommend surgeons and hospitals they have worked with before.Your choice of surgeon will affect your hospital choice.Ask your doctor questions like "Who would you recommend as a surgeon?" and "What hospital do you suggest?"
Step 2: Check with your insurer.
You should contact your insurer after consulting with your doctor.Unless you are willing to pay out-of-pocket for the surgery, you will need to make sure that the surgeon is in-network.An out-of-network operation can cost thousands of dollars depending on the surgery.Ask your insurer questions like "What specialists are covered by my insurance?" and "Is this surgeon in-network?"
Step 3: Hospitals with expertise in treating your condition are a good place to look.
To get the best care, you need to go to a hospital that has a good reputation.General hospitals are great for hernias and gallbladder surgeries.If you need a surgery like a heart bypass, you may need to go to a specialty hospital.To find a facility that is affordable, talk to your primary care provider and insurer.Make sure your doctor has the ability to admit patients.Hospitals that perform many of the same procedures have higher success rates.
Step 4: Hospital ratings are reviewed.
There are many organizations that collect and publish hospital reviews.Consumer Reports and Hospital Compare can be used to find reviews of specific hospitals.If you want a high success rate for the procedure, try to find facilities that have good reviews.Health care facilities are given report cards that highlight their strengths and weaknesses.Data on quality and safety of procedures in hospitals throughout the U.S. can be found at http://www.leap Froggroup.org/.
Step 5: Take a look at the data.
Infections, readmissions, and death are some of the data you should look at when reviewing hospital information.There are high rates of infections in hospitals where patients are readmitted soon after they are discharged.The mortality rate of each hospital should be checked.The numbers show the quality of care in that facility.There are studies published by the different facilities.The studies will show you how patients do after certain procedures.These can be found by nonprofits or government groups.
Step 6: Go to the hospitals.
Take some time to visit each facility that you are considering.Make sure the hospital looks and smells good.You might want to look into other facilities if the hospital seems to be running out of steam.It is important for the staff to be friendly.When you visit the hospital, pay attention to how employees respond to you.You can schedule a tour at a lot of facilities.After your surgical consults, you should schedule a tour.
Step 7: Think about where you are.
It is possible that you will need to travel for your surgery.It's possible that you don't have the facilities or staff to perform the procedure.In order to have your surgery done by a renowned surgeon, you might have to travel.You could stay local in order to have your family and friends nearby.If you are willing to travel for the surgery, think about your expectations.
Step 8: Look at their credentials.
You need a surgeon that has the necessary training to perform the operation.The American Board of Medical Specialties can certify a specialist.This tells you that they received a degree from a qualified medical school, completed their residency, and passed the ABMS exam.You can check the qualifications of your doctor by visiting certificationmatters.org.
Step 9: You should look for red flags.
Check with your state medical board to see if your doctor has been disciplined.A specialist who has been sued multiple times may be problematic.MultipleDisciplinary actions may be an indication of substance abuse or a behavioral issue
Step 10: Meet the doctor.
You should schedule some consultations once you have narrowed down your options.Ask them how many operations they have performed and how successful they are.You should discuss their opinions on an alternative to surgery with them.It's important to know if you trust this person.If you listen to your gut, you can determine if this person is a good fit for you.A doctor with a good track record will be willing to discuss their success rate with you.Ask your surgeon questions such as "What is your success rate with this procedure?" and "Do you recommend any alternatives to surgery?"