What does good-quality health care mean to you? It may mean being able to get an appointment with your health care provider quickly, having a health care provider who is willing to spend time with you, or being treated nicely by the staff at his or her office.

These things are important. But another factor that’s critical to your health is receiving good-quality clinical care. That includes having the right tests for your health condition and being prescribed effective treatment. This type of care plays a big role in how well your health is managed. To make sure you’re getting high-quality care, ask yourself if your health care provider is meeting your needs in these five areas.

Getting care when you need it

How available is your health care provider? How many of these statements are true for you?

• I can get an appointment within a reasonable amount of time for nonurgent care (such as a routine checkup or follow-up appointment).
• The office staff is helpful and responsive.
• A nurse or other on-call provider is available after hours.

Communication

The way you and your health care provider talk with each other can affect how you take care of your health. Here are some important factors to consider about your interaction:

• My health care provider encourages me to ask questions.
• He or she takes the time to listen to me.
• He or she makes it easy for me to understand things. Continue reading How to Evaluate Your Health Care Providers →