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Depending on the content of your report, you can provide information on:

• The kind(s) of organizations you are rating.
• The particular conditions that are addressed by your ratings.
• Specific issues, such as the importance of preventive services or the impact of patient safety problems.

For example, if your report focuses on care for a condition such as heart attack, you might want to discuss the warning signs that someone is having a heart attack or steps one can take to reduce the risk of having a heart attack. An alternative approach is to provide contact information or links to information available on this kind of topic from another organization.

EXAMPLE: Providing Information and Resources About the Conditions Included in Your Report

Title: Community Checkup
Sponsor: Washington Health Alliance
URL:

The Community Checkup’s report on medical groups and clinics offers information on several common chronic conditions, including asthma and depression. The information includes a brief explanation of the condition and its prevalence, a summary of what patients with the condition can do, a summary of what doctors can do for patients with the condition, and a list of resources.

Source: Washington Health Alliance. Community Checkup. Available at

If the kind of organization being rated is relatively unfamiliar, such as home health agencies, you can provide further background on what these kinds of organizations do, the types of patients they serve, how they are paid, and what to look for when selecting a provider.

EXAMPLE: Additional Tools to Help You Make a Decision

Title: Cal Hospital Compare
Sponsor: Cal Healthcare Compare
URL:

The Cal Hospital Compare website offers performance information on California hospitals to help people choose a hospital that best suits their needs and provides information regarding what to look for in a hospital, how to check coverage and costs, and what other hospital features to consider.

Source: Cal Healthcare Compare. Available at .