Finding and Selecting a Teaching Hospital

• 1). Locate potential teaching hospitals using a local phone directory, the Internet or by asking your physician. Consult the list of teaching hospitals in North Carolina represented by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
  
  
• 2). Verify which of the hospitals on the list accept your insurance, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan by contacting your insurance company. Determine if a referral or preauthorization is necessary for coverage.
  
  
• 3). Determine using a map or Google Maps, how far away each teaching hospital is from your home or location. Determine the amount of time it will take to travel to each hospital using an online directions site such as MapQuest or Google Directions.
  
  
• 4). Determine whether the teaching hospital is accredited by an nationally recognized organization such as The Joint Commission. Also, check to see if the hospital provides the specific services you need.
  
  
• 5). Contact the hospital and ask questions. Request a written description of the hospital's services and fees, as well as any resources the hospital can provide to help you reach your decision.
  
  
• 6). If possible, visit the hospital and observe for cleanliness in the public areas, as this will indicate the cleanliness of other areas such as the operating rooms. Request a tour and time to speak with a representative of the hospital to ask any further questions regarding the hospital's success record of your needed service, patient rights and responsibilities, social worker services and discharge care and services.