How to Choose a Healthcare Facility

Choose a hospital with high quality ratings.

Decatur General gets high marks for quality. Decatur General is monitored by top accrediting agencies and is compared to national healthcare benchmarks. It is accredited by the Joint Commission which is the nation's largest accrediting body and is recognized as the definitive measure of quality. Decatur General scores at or above state and national averages on 96% of the quality measures reported.

Decatur General is also certified by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. It recently received a Silver Achievement Award for consistent performance of over 85% on stroke quality care measures and will be recognized in US News and World Report's 2010 Best Hospital Issue.

Decatur General is one of two hospitals in the state and the ONLY hospital in North Alabama to voluntarily participate in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, a program designed to measure and improve surgical outcomes. Decatur General meets or exceeds the national standards. Decatur General was one of five hospitals in the United States to present best practice guidelines at the July 2009 NSQIP national conference in San Diego. Decatur General and its physicians have achieved Exemplary Status for low incidence of surgical site infections in general and vascular surgery.

The Radiation Oncology Center at Decatur General is accredited and recognized by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons for providing the very best in cancer care. Decatur General's Diabetes Self-Management Education Program is certified by the American Diabetes Association as having met the National Standards for Diabetes Education.

Choose a hospital that cares for its patients

At Decatur General, we understand that any hospitalization can be difficult for the patient and their families. Therefore, we want to provide not only the very best care but the very best care experience possible. To ensure we are meeting the needs of our patients and their families - we ask them! Discharged patients receive a survey from an independent firm - Press Ganey, the industries leader in patient satisfaction. We utilize the feedback and results to reward employees who excel in customer service and consistently look for improvement opportunities. Of the more than 1,000 hospitals surveyed by Press Ganey, Decatur General typically scores high marks for patient satisfaction and we are continually working to ensure we provide the most compassionate care for our patients.

Choose a hospital with a history of quality care.

Decatur General has been caring for this community for over 95 years. With more than 200 physicians and more than 1000 employees, it is one of the largest employers in the area. As a public, not-for-profit hospital, Decatur General provides care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Through its community outreach efforts, Decatur General also provides health screenings, educational programs and many other opportunities to promote health and wellness in the community. This approach helps to build a stronger, healthier and more vital community. In addition, as a not-for-profit hospital, Decatur General reinvests any revenue after expenses back into the hospital and the community.