If you’re like many Americans, you don’t know what an emergency department visit or an operation costs until a bill from a healthcare provider or a letter from your health insurance plan comes in the mail. We realize this uncertainty can be stressful and can make it hard to plan your personal or household finances. … Continued
Because different patient populations have different health outcomes, simply comparing the number or percentage of some quality measures will not provide an accurate comparison. To make a more accurate comparison, some measures are “adjusted.” This is a common statistical step so that comparison may be similar. However, even adjusting the data cannot guarantee an identical … Continued
Visit the CDC’s website for information on health and safety topics. Available resources include CDC publications, as well as data and statistics. CDC provides information on health promotion, disease prevention, injury and disability, and preparedness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides people and communities with informational resources and tools to protect their health.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality seeks to improve the quality, safety, efficiency and effectiveness of health care for all Americans. Numerous AHRQ resources can help consumers in choosing quality care and getting safe care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality supports research that helps people make more informed decisions and improves the … Continued
Health care-associated infections (HAI) are a major health problem in the United States. HAIs can be very serious, increasing the cost and length of hospital stays and even threatening lives. As a consumer, you should be proactive in your health care. The information on Missouri Department of Health and Human Services’ website can help you: … Continued
The information on Hospital Compare can help you make decisions about where you get your health care. This information also encourages hospitals to improve the quality of care they provide. In an emergency, you should go to the nearest hospital. When you can plan ahead, discuss the information you find on Hospital Compare with your … Continued
The Missouri Bar has developed a “Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive” for use by the public. This form may be downloaded and/or photocopied as needed. There is no copyright on this publication. Establishing advance directives on future health care decisions can ensure that a person’s wishes are met and … Continued
More and more, today’s patients are playing an active role in their health care. Patients and doctors work closely together to achieve the best possible level of health care. An important part of this partnership is clear communication. Asking the right questions-and obtaining quality information about prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery help ensure safety, prevent errors and improve … Continued