In an emergency, the right hospital is usually the closest one with an emergency department, and paramedics will decide where to take you. But for planned care, such as surgery, cancer treatment, childbirth or a procedure your doctor has recommended, you often have more choice than you might think. A little research can help you find a hospital that does the care you need often, does it well, and fits your insurance.
This guide offers a practical checklist. It is general information and not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
Step 1: Check your insurance network
Before comparing quality, find out which hospitals your plan covers at in-network rates.
- Look up hospitals in your insurer's online directory or call the member services number on your card.
- Check that the surgeon or specialist you plan to use also has privileges at that hospital.
- Ask whether you need prior authorization for the procedure.
- Remember that doctors at the hospital, such as anesthesiologists, radiologists and pathologists, may bill separately. The No Surprises Act limits surprise out-of-network bills from these providers at in-network hospitals.
If you have Original Medicare, most hospitals accept it. With Medicare Advantage, Medicaid managed care or a marketplace plan, networks can be narrower.
Step 2: Make sure the hospital offers the care you need
Not every hospital does everything. Smaller hospitals may refer complex cases. Ask:
- Does the hospital perform this procedure regularly? How many per year?
- Is there an intensive care unit, and is it staffed by intensivists?
- If complications arise, can they be handled on site or would I be transferred?
For many complex surgeries, research has found that hospitals and surgeons who perform a procedure more often tend to have better outcomes. Volume is not everything, but it is worth asking about.
Our Types of Hospitals guide explains how acute care, critical access, children's and specialty hospitals differ.
Step 3: Look at quality data
Several public sources compare hospitals:
| Source | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Medicare.gov Care Compare (CMS) | Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating from 1 to 5, plus measures on mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience and timely care |
| HCAHPS survey results | How patients rated communication, cleanliness, quietness and overall experience |
| The Joint Commission | Whether the hospital is accredited, and any certifications for specific programs such as stroke care |
| The Leapfrog Group | Hospital Safety Grade from A to F and survey results on specific safety practices |
| State health departments | Many publish infection rates, procedure outcomes or inspection reports |
Read How CMS Star Ratings Work and What Is the HCAHPS Patient Survey? to interpret the numbers. You can browse 5-star hospitals or 4 and 5-star hospitals in our directory as a starting point.
Look beyond the summary score. A hospital with an average overall rating may perform very well in the specific area you care about.
Step 4: Consider specific certifications
Depending on your needs, these may be relevant:
- Stroke center certification (primary, thrombectomy-capable or comprehensive) from accrediting bodies such as The Joint Commission
- Trauma center level for injury care. See What Is a Trauma Center?
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center status from the National Cancer Institute, for cancer treatment and research
- Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which recognizes nursing practice
- CMS Birthing-Friendly designation for maternity care. See How to Choose a Hospital to Give Birth
Step 5: Think about practical factors
- Distance: will you or your family be able to visit and get to follow-up appointments?
- Teaching status: teaching hospitals often offer specialized care and clinical trials, and residents are part of the care team. See What Is a Teaching Hospital?
- Language access: hospitals that receive federal funds must provide language assistance, but ask about interpreters for your language.
- Religious affiliation: some church-affiliated hospitals follow religious directives that affect services such as contraception, sterilization or certain end-of-life care.
- Visiting rules and family involvement: see Hospital Visiting Hours and Rules.
Step 6: Ask about costs in advance
Hospitals must publish their standard charges, including prices negotiated with insurers, under the federal hospital price transparency rule in effect since January 1, 2021, and offer a shoppable services tool or list. If you are uninsured or not using insurance, you are entitled to a good faith estimate for scheduled care. Ask your insurer for an estimate of your out-of-pocket share. See How to Read a Hospital Bill and Hospital Financial Assistance.
Step 7: Talk to your doctor
Your doctor knows your health history and often knows which local hospitals and surgeons have strong programs. A helpful question is: "Where would you send a member of your family for this?"
A quick checklist
- In network for me and my doctors
- Performs my procedure regularly
- Reasonable quality and safety ratings, especially in the relevant area
- Accredited, with any relevant certifications
- Manageable distance for me and my support people
- Cost estimate in hand
To start comparing, use hospitals near me or search for hospitals by name.