IMPORTANCE TO CONSUMERS: More and more information is available on the Internet about the quality of health facilities, including hospitals and nursing homes. Both federal and state agencies, as well as various other organizations, provide reports and other summaries that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these facilities. This information is important to consumers as it provides an opportunity to choose a facility based on information related to the quality of care and other important factors.
HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: Grades of individual facilities provide a starting point for consumers to evaluate options. Large differences in grades between facilities are likely to be more meaningful than grades that are not. Consumers should not base decisions solely on grades, but should consider a wide range of information, when possible, before making a decision. The federal and state agency sites provide a wealth of information on the factors that contribute to a facility’s overall grade. The other links below provide guidance that is likely to be useful to consumers, as well. Of course, it is highly recommended that consumers visit facilities to gather information first-hand, discuss aspects of care that are most important to them with others who are currently receiving services from the facility, and ask their personal physician for any additional information that may be available.
HOSPITAL COMPARISONS – Consumer Information 
Federal:
Hospital Compare
California:
CalHospitalCompare.Org
Other Information on Hospitals
1.
Healthcare Foundation Fact Sheet
2.
Quality Check Website
NURSING HOME COMPARISONS – Consumer Information
Federal:
Nursing Home Compare
California:
Your Guide to Long-Term Care in California
Other information on Nursing Homes:
