Areas needing improvement. One important way to learn about hospital quality is to look at hospital report cards developed by States and consumer groups. A recent study about such reports found that besides helping consumers make informed choices, they also encourage hospitals to improve their quality of care. This is a very good reason to look for and use consumer information about hospitals. The information is then given to the public so consumers can compare hospitals.
Some groups gather information on how well hospitals perform and how satisfied their patients are.
An example is the Cleveland Health Quality Choice Program, which is made up of businesses, doctors, and hospitals. Consumer groups publish guides to hospitals and other health care choices in various cities. Find out what kind of information is available where you live by calling your State department of health, health care council, or hospital association. Also, ask your doctor what he or she thinks about the hospital. If not, you would need to be under the care of another doctor while at the hospital.