Choosing a hospital to help with your care is an important decision that takes time and some investigation.

For example, if you are suffering from fluid overload due to heart failure, below is a list of questions that you may consider.

The answers to these questions should help you make this important decision.

• Which hospital has the best care for heart failure and fluid overload?
  
  
• Does the hospital have a program specifically designed to help patients with heart failure?
  
  
• What treatment options for heart failure and fluid overload does this hospital offer?
  
  
• Does this hospital offer Aquapheresis Therapy?
  
  
• Is this hospital covered by my health insurance?
  
  
• Does my doctor have privileges (is allowed to work) at this hospital? If not, who would they recommend there?
  
  
• Does the hospital meet national quality
  standards for heart failure?

  Look it up and see! Go to the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) online Hospital Compare consumer Web site at http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. This comparison tool gives consumers better insight into the quality of care provided by their local hospitals in specific areas.

• How does the hospital compare with others in my area?