Report cards on the Internet can help you compare health care facilities. Three private websites that rate hospitals based on information collected from Medicare records and other sources are: www.usnews.com, www.checkbook.org, and www.healthgrades.com.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accredits hospitals, as well as nursing homes other health care organizations. Specially trained investigators assess how these facilities compare with others. The JCAHO also accepts consumer complaints. You can post a complaint on its website or call 1-800-994-6610.
*Information provided by Consumer Action Handbook, www.consumeraction.gov
