Report cards on the Internet can help you compare healthcare facilities. Three private websites that rate hospitals based on information collected from Medicare records and other sources are usnews.com, checkbook.org, and healthgrades.com.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations(JCAHO) accredits hospitals as well as nursing homes and other healthcare organizations. Specially trained investigators assess whether these organizations meet set standards. At jcaho.org, you can check on a local facility, including how it compares with others. JCAHO also accepts consumer complaints. You can post a complaint on its website or call 1-800-994-6610.
- Nursing Home Compare, operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will help you compare the facilities in many states. Visit the website or call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).
- Eldercare Locator, another service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides information and referral services for those seeking local and state support resources for the elderly.
- LeadingAge, is a trade group that represents many nonprofit facilities.
- The Assisted Living Federation of America, represents both for-profit and nonprofit assisted-living facilities. Phone: 703-691-8100.
- The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, gives its seal of approval to qualifying facilities. Phone: 1-888-281-6531.
Medical Facilities: Statistics
Get statistics on medical facilities at these sites:
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is a free on-line query system that provides access to health statistics and information on hospital stays at the national, regional, and state level.
- aha.org is the website of the American Hospital Association.
- citizen.org links to a public interest organization that provides information on medical board disciplinary actions.
Naming a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
A durable power of attorney for health care (sometimes called a durable medical power of attorney) specifies the person you’ve chosen to make medical decisions for you. It is activated anytime you’re unconscious or unable to make medical decisions. You need to choose someone who meets the legal requirements in your state for acting as your agent. State laws vary, but most states disqualify anyone under the age of 18, your health care provider, or employees of your health care provider.
The person you name as your agent must:
- Be willing to speak and advocate on your behalf
- Be willing to deal with conflict among friends and family members, if it arises
- Know you well and understand your wishes
- Be willing to talk with you about these issues
- Be someone you trust with your life
The above information is an excerpt from an article entitled Tips for Choosing a Health Care Facility published by USA.gov. The full article can be found here.