Deciding on which restaurant to go to for dinner or where to get your hair cut often starts with a quick search for ratings on Google or Yelp. Based on your research, you often choose where to go after reviewing the best ratings. Did you know that you can check ratings for your health care provider? Which is handy when it comes time for your annual exam!

The experts at NorthShore share tips for giving your health care a check-up of their own:

• Check with your insurance. Insurance companies may restructure their network and it is important to check whether your health care provider is in network.
• Research your health care provider ratings. Utilize Hospital Compare quality rankings to see how your provider rates against others within the area. Ratings are based off of more than 50 quality measures and are designed to help consumers make informed decisions about their health care. The national average rating is 3 stars and NorthShore is honored to have one of the highest possible ratings.
• Make sure your needs are met. Ensure your health care provider offers a wide range of services such as:
  • Locations convenient for you
  • Hospitals close to home
  • Specialists that meet your health care needs
  • Accessible immediate care locations
  • Electronic medical records (EMR) available system-wide 

By investing a few moments to research health care provider options, you will ensure that you are receiving the best care possible for your family’s health.