Selecting a Right Hospital

Hospital plays a vital role in a patient's medical treatment and outcome. Having a good doctor is essential, but not the only factor for a successful treatment. Hospital that you select can be a crucial factor for the fate of your patient's health. While there are several types of hospital, one should think which hospital is right for their treatment. Although your primary doctor may recommend some hospitals, it is advisable for patients and their family to evaluate whether the hospital is good for them. Since, the practice of paying commission to referring doctor is highly prevalent, it is quite possible, that your doctor's recommendation for a hospital is because of the high commission being paid to him by the hospital.

Here are some to do points before selecting a hospital for treatment

1. Ask your primary doctor, why is he recommending a specific hospital. Ask about options of other hospitals which can be considered.
2. Check, if the hospital is accredited. An accredited hospital follows defined standards and you can expect better quality of treatment and service. For India, click here, to see the list of hospitals accredited by NABH
3. Check the website of the hospital. Get information regarding facilities and services offered by the hospital. Check website of other hospitals in option. See, if they provide better facilities.
4. Check reviews of the hospital given by its patients on internet. However, be cautious while believing on internet reviews as most of them can be fake
5. Talk to your doctor who is going to treat you in hospital. Ask if he is attached to the hospital full time or is a visiting doctor. A visiting doctor can treat you in another hospital facility with which he is affiliated. Ask him, if he prefer any other hospital facility
6. Request hospital authorities to give you a tour of the hospital. While on tour, see the facilities, cleanliness, staff activities etc.
7. Enquire about various hospital charges. A good hospital will be transparent in their charges and will provide you the tariff list. Compare with other hospitals
8. Ask, if they can give contact of other patients who have taken treatment in their hospital. Take their feedback.
9. Most hospitals calculate their infection rates and patient satisfaction rates. Ask, about latest infection rates and patient satisfaction rates of the hospital.

Ensure that the hospital you are considering, is patient friendly, hygienic, transparent in their pricing and takes measures related to safety and security of patient. Although, evaluating a hospital is rather difficult, one easy way is to look for an accredited hospital. Read the article on 'Hospital Accreditation' for more details.