When you're choosing a hospital, start by listing all the hospitals in your area that are covered by your health plan and where your regular doctor has privileges. If you're concerned about a specific medical condition, choose a hospital that's known for its experience and success in treating that specific condition.

If the patient is one of your children, make sure that the hospital is experienced in managing fear, boredom, and other issues that weigh especially on young patients.

You can find various consumer groups, on the Web and elsewhere, that list and rate hospitals in your area. Do your research through these organizations. Also, look for reviews from former patients. But consider that even the best hospitals may have a few negative reviews, and even the worst may have a few positive ones.

Most American hospitals are surveyed and rated by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Go to www.jcaho.org.