Questions to Ask During Hospital Tour
Essential questions to ask during a hospital tour when choosing where to receive care, have surgery, or deliver a baby.
1What is your nurse-to-patient ratio?
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What is your nurse-to-patient ratio?
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Why this works
Lower ratios mean better care, faster response times, and less nurse burnout.
2Is this hospital accredited, and what quality ratings do you have?
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Is this hospital accredited, and what quality ratings do you have?
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Why this works
Verifies the facility meets national standards and how they rank on safety and outcomes.
3What specialized services and equipment are available on-site?
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What specialized services and equipment are available on-site?
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Why this works
Ensures they can handle emergencies or complications without transferring you elsewhere.
4What are your infection rates and patient safety scores?
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What are your infection rates and patient safety scores?
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Why this works
Directly addresses quality of care and risk of hospital-acquired infections.
5What is your hospital's experience with my specific condition or procedure?
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What is your hospital's experience with my specific condition or procedure?
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Why this works
Higher volume facilities typically have better outcomes for complex procedures.
6What insurance plans do you accept?
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What insurance plans do you accept?
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Why this works
Prevents surprise bills by confirming your insurance is in-network.
7What are your visiting hours and visitor policies?
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What are your visiting hours and visitor policies?
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Why this works
Clarifies when family can be present and any restrictions you should know about.
8Do you have private rooms available?
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Do you have private rooms available?
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Why this works
Privacy affects comfort, rest, and infection risk during your stay.
9What emergency services are available 24/7?
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What emergency services are available 24/7?
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Why this works
Confirms the hospital can handle critical situations at any time.
10How do you handle pain management?
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How do you handle pain management?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to keeping patients comfortable and responsive to pain needs.
11What is your policy on patient and family involvement in care decisions?
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What is your policy on patient and family involvement in care decisions?
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Why this works
Reveals whether they treat patients as partners or passive recipients of care.
12What support services are available—social workers, chaplains, translators?
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What support services are available—social workers, chaplains, translators?
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Why this works
Identifies resources that can help with emotional, spiritual, or communication needs.
13How do you communicate test results and care updates to patients?
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How do you communicate test results and care updates to patients?
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Why this works
Clarifies whether you'll be kept informed or left in the dark about your care.
14What is your patient satisfaction score?
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What is your patient satisfaction score?
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Why this works
Provides insight into how well they meet patient expectations and needs.
15Do you have a patient advocate or ombudsman?
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Do you have a patient advocate or ombudsman?
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Why this works
Shows there's someone to help resolve concerns or complaints during your stay.
16What is your policy on bringing personal items or having special accommodations?
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What is your policy on bringing personal items or having special accommodations?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what you can bring for comfort and any restrictions.
17How do you ensure continuity of care between shifts?
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How do you ensure continuity of care between shifts?
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Why this works
Reveals communication systems that prevent errors during staff handoffs.
18What discharge planning and follow-up care support do you provide?
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What discharge planning and follow-up care support do you provide?
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Why this works
Ensures you won't be sent home without clear instructions and support.
19Are there any current construction or renovation projects that might affect my stay?
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Are there any current construction or renovation projects that might affect my stay?
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Why this works
Noise, dust, or disruptions from construction can impact rest and recovery.
20Can I tour the specific unit or room where I would be staying?
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Can I tour the specific unit or room where I would be staying?
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Why this works
Lets you see the actual environment rather than just a showroom.
Best Practices for Hospital Tours
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research Before You Visit
Check Medicare's Hospital Compare website for quality ratings, infection rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
Tour More Than One Hospital
Compare facilities to get a sense of what's standard versus exceptional care.
Bring a Support Person
A second set of eyes and ears helps you remember details and ask questions you might forget.
Trust Your Instincts
If the facility feels chaotic, dirty, or unwelcoming, those impressions matter.
Question Sequences
The Quality and Safety Sequence
The Patient Experience Sequence
The Practical Logistics Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Choose Based on Proximity Alone
A hospital 10 minutes farther might have significantly better outcomes for your condition.
Don't Accept Vague Answers
If they won't share infection rates or safety scores, that's a red flag.
Don't Skip the Tour If You Have Time
Photos on websites don't show you cleanliness, staff demeanor, or actual conditions.
Don't Assume All Hospitals Are Equal
Quality varies significantly. Do your research and ask tough questions.