New Consumer Web Site from DOH

The New York State Department of Health has launched a new health care consumer web site that will put a wealth of information at the public's fingertips.The Center for Consumer Health Care Information web site can be accessed throught the DOH home page at www.health.state.ny.us (click on Consumer Health). The information on this web site includes physician credentials and disciplinary actions, results of recent hospital and nursing home surveys, performance measures for managed care plans, and physician and hospital performance for cardiac bypass surgery.

Consumers and providers will also find information on how to file a confidential complaint about healthcare quality, review public health laws and regulations, and gain access to clinical guidelines and other healthcare best practices.

The web site is an outgrowth of the Patient Health Information and Quality Improvement Act of 2000. As a result of this legislation, consumers and healthcare facilities will have greater access to information about physicians, hospitals, and other providers. The legislation also creates a Patient Safety Center in the State Health Department to collect information about medical errors, promote research to improve patient safety, and make recommendations to reduce medical errors and enhance patient care.