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How to Check a Hospital’s References

problems with computer virusThe most important thing about choosing a hospital is the quality of the doctors and nurses who work there. Did you know you can check a hospital’s references? You can! Start by checking the doctors’ credentials first.

Here is what to look for:

1. Where did the doctor receive his or her training?
Some medical schools are better than others. Follow up with an online search for school ratings and reviews.

2. Is your doctor “board certified?”
Doctors graduate from medical school and go on to do a residency, fellowship or other training. When they finish their training, they can choose to take a test called the “boards.” A doctor who is “board certified,” must take a regularly scheduled test to stay up-to-date with his or her skills.

3. How often does your doctor perform the surgery or procedure you are getting?
How many times have they successfully performed this procedure? How frequently? Be sure to consider the patient’s age when asking. For example, if your 2-year-old child is getting an operation, find out how often your doctor operates on 2-year-olds. It is very different to perform surgery on a healthy adult versus a small child.

4. Does your doctor have specialized training in your particular condition?
Will a general surgeon perform your surgery or a specialist who specializes in the type of surgery you are getting?

Have you ever investigated your hospitals references? What other questions would you add to this list? I’d love to hear from you!

MyHealthSpin helps you Spin Your Healthcare Your Way!

Learn more about what to do when things don’t go as planned with my ebook Easy Healthcare: Your Hospital Stay. You can get it FREE right now by subscribing to our blog.

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Choose Your Hospital Wisely

Ronald Reagan Ucla Medical CenterHave you ever wondered if all hospitals are the same? It turns out, they aren’t. Hospitals vary on the quality of staff and doctors, the services offered and many other factors.

Because a trip to the hospital can change your life forever, it’s important to choose wisely.

Here are some questions to consider:

1. Is the hospital affiliated with a university medical school?
University affiliated hospitals have medical students to teach and research to conduct. This may mean you are able to see specialists who may not be available at other hospitals.

2. Does the hospital have a religious affiliation?
For example, if you are Catholic, you may prefer a Catholic hospital. With these hospitals the religious affiliation may govern what procedures may or may not be performed at the hospital. In such instances, you may be bound to these rules even if you do not agree with them.

3. Are your doctors allowed to practice at the hospital?
It is helpful to have the doctors you see regularly also see you in the hospital because they already have a more robust understanding of your medical history. Ask your doctors which hospitals they cover and, when possible, choose accordingly.

4. Does the hospital have the specialists you need?
For example, if you are going into the hospital for serious heart issues, it is wise to do a bit of homework to research the heart specialists who practice at the hospitals you are considering.

 

When possible, consider these questions BEFORE you pick a hospital. Choosing a hospital simply because you like their advertisements OR because it is closest to home may not always be the best plan.

How have you picked the hospital you go to for healthcare? Are there other questions you would add to this list? I’d love to hear from you!

MyHealthSpin helps you Spin Your Healthcare Your Way!

Learn more about what to do when things don’t go as planned with my ebook Easy Healthcare: Your Hospital Stay. You can get it free right now by subscribing to our blog.

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6 Things to Do to Keep Healthy this July 4th

Four Wooden Rocking Chairs And The American FlagToday we celebrate Independence Day. As we gather with friends and family, I want to wish everyone a wonderful Fourth of July and a safe holiday.

Enjoy the outdoor barbecues, bonfires, and fireworks, but make sure to keep yourself and your loved ones safe by celebrating responsibly. Taking a few simple precautions can help avoid a hospital visit:

  1. Be cautious when driving. Fatal accidents and DUIs spike over holiday weekends.
  2. Take care when using fireworks and sparklers. Review my previous post on avoiding firework-related injuries.
  3. Stay sober, wear a life jacket, and make sure kids are supervised when swimming or boating.
  4. Stay hydrated and find some shade. Dehydration and sunstroke are a serious risk during the summer months.
  5. SPF is your friend. While a tan may be appealing, prolonged sun exposure can lead to serious burns and increase your risk for melanoma. When applied regularly, sunscreen can help.
  6. Keep kids at a safe distance from fire pits.

What you are doing this holiday weekend to keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe? I’d love to hear from you!

Stay healthy and enjoy the holiday!

MyHealthSpin helps you Spin Your Healthcare Your Way!

Learn more about what to do when things don’t go as planned with my ebook Easy Healthcare: Your Hospital Stay. You can get it free now by subscribing to our blog.