What is Save Lives Save Dollars?
Save Lives Save Dollars is a community-wide initiative of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council, a non-profit organization that focuses on improving health care quality, access and cost through partnership and collaboration. The Health Care Performance Report has been developed to help inform Michigan residents of their health care choices. To learn more about the Greater Detroit Area Health Council, click here

Why are Health Care Performance Reports useful?

When we go to a hospital or physician’s office we expect to be seen promptly, to be treated with courtesy, to be listened to, and to get the care that’s most likely to help us. Some of these things we can evaluate ourselves, such as how long we had to wait and whether we were treated with respect and courtesy.

Most of us find it harder, though, to tell whether the treatments and drugs given to us are the best for our condition, or whether our X-ray was read correctly, or our surgery was done right. Health care performance reports can help you with that.

Here you will find ratings of hospitals and physicians based on whether they do the right thing medically for their patients, and whether they do it right. With this kind of information you will be able to make more informed decisions about where to get you health care.

How do I find the right doctor?

Finding the right doctor can be a difficult task.
Should I make a decision based on where I live?
Should I ask a friend or co-worker?
Or, should I refer to my health plan directory?

These are just some of the questions we ask ourselves when trying to choose a doctor. Then, after we make that decision, there are additional questions that we should ask.

Is the doctor able to take care of my health concern?
Does the doctor have a good reputation?
Is he board certified?
Does she provide care that meets established standards of care? 
And, how can I find this information? 

Doctors in southeastern Michigan belong to groups called physician organizations that help them share best practices and keep the cost of health care down. Information about a doctor’s physician organization can help you make a decision about whether she is right for your family.

What should I ask my doctor?

It’s not always easy to ask the right questions when you visit your doctor. You may have thought of a question at home, but forget it when you sit down with your doctor. Or, you may simply feel uncomfortable talking about your personal concerns. However, it is important that you prepare for your doctor’s visit, bring up your concerns and ask questions.

How do I get ready to see my doctor?

Just before your visit to the doctor, write down your questions. If you feel uncomfortable about your doctor’s visit or feel you may not remember what your doctor tells you, ask a friend or family member to go with you.
Make a list of your health concerns to tell your doctor or the nurse. Take your medicines or make a list of your medicines.

For more on who to get ready to visit your doctor, go to www.askme3.org.