If you have an urgent procedure, it is doubtful that you will have the chance to look into alternatives. However, if your surgery is on schedule, doing your research can significantly increase the likelihood of it going well.

Selecting a facility is not difficult, and taking the time to carefully consider the surgeon who will conduct the procedure and where it will take place is worth your time and effort.

Consider taking some time to make sure you are making a wise choice because not all hospitals provide the same level of treatment. Remember that there are exceptional hospitals and even some substandard facilities out there. Here are some valuable tips for picking a hospital and surgery center.

The priority should be quality.

In the interest of the general audience, quality metrics are available. A quick online search will turn up a wealth of information regarding how the facility you are considering compares to others in terms of mortality (death) rates, infection rates, and the number of medical errors that took place there.

Make the most of your insurance.

Some patients claim that after undergoing surgery, they knew that the hospital they selected was in-network. But only to learn later that the anesthesia services were out of network and they were now responsible for a hefty charge. Make that the surgeon, the facility, and the anesthetic providers are all “in-network” for your treatment.

Otherwise, you may face an unpleasant surprise in the form of a bill thousands of dollars more expensive than you anticipated. You can get precise and up-to-date information on coverage levels by calling your insurance provider.

Select a center that conducts your procedure frequently.

You don’t want to be the only surgical patient at the hospital that whole year. If the procedure is relatively common, you want to choose a clinic that conducts it frequently—ideally multiple times each day. This is because it is crucial for the staff to have the same level of experience as the surgeon in administering the surgery and caring for a patient who has undergone it.

Even at the most prominent hospitals, certain surgeries like heart transplants and other uncommon ones aren’t likely to be done daily. In that instance, you’re seeking a highly skilled surgeon and a team that can care for you after surgery. According to research, surgical outcomes are better in facilities that do the procedures often.

The center’s accreditation

Check whether the outpatient surgical facility has all required accreditations, regardless of whether it is affiliated with a hospital network. Depending on the therapeutic specialties of that center, these could include general accreditations or more specialized accreditations.

Location

Location may also be a key deciding factor if multiple centers offer the surgery you require. Depending on where you reside, your transportation options, and your post-operative support system, you may or may not find particular areas convenient.

The takeaway

If a surgical procedure is not urgent, taking your time to review your options is always worth it.