RETHINK YOUR CHOICES
For the best possible health care, you need to learn about your options, and make choices based on quality and your needs.
• Quality care begins with your doctor. The sooner you choose a doctor, the better. By building a relationship over time, your doctor will get to know you, your family and your medical histories. http://doctor.webmd.com/physician_finder/
• Your health care team includes your doctor, nurses and the staff at your doctor’s office, as well as any specialists, nurses and staff who provide additional services for you at your hospital or other locations. You are the most important member of your health care team.
• For quality care, consider a doctor who is working towards being able to provide you with a patient-centered medical home. What does that mean? It means you’re getting personalized, coordinated care. Your health care team at your medical home connects you to your chosen hospital, specialists and the larger health care system, serves as your advocate within that system, and maintains your medical record.
• Don’t wait to find a doctor until you need immediate treatment for an unexpected illness or accident. For quality care, find a health care provider before you find yourself in an emergency situation. http://doctor.webmd.com/physician_finder/
Looking for quality care? These sites provide valuable information and tools:
Choosing Quality Care
Do you know what to look for when you need to find quality care? The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) can help. Learn about quality in a doctor, hospital, health plan, even a nursing home. Links and podcasts offer information about health insurance, health care costs, how to make an effective complaint, and how to use the emergency department wisely.
http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/guidetoq/
Tips for Choosing a Doctor
This site provides a list of great tips for choosing the doctor that’s right for you.
http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/cc/cc071508.htm
Links to Hospitals in West Michigan
Allegan General Hospital
Borgess-Pipp Health Center
Carson City Hospital
Forest View Hospital
Gerber Memorial Health Services
Holland Hospital
Ionia County Memorial Hospital
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Mecosta County Medical Center
Memorial Medical Center of West Michigan
Mercy Health Partners
Metro Health Hospital
North Ottawa Community Health System
Pennock Health Services
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Saint Mary's Health Care
Spectrum Health Butterworth
Spectrum Health Blodgett
Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital
Spectrum Health Reed City
Spectrum Health Continuing Care
Spectrum Health United Hospital
Zeeland Community Hospital