There are a number of criteria which can be used to evaluate a neurological clinic to determine whether or not it is the best choice for a patient. While neurological problems may seem scary and patients may be tempted to go with the first clinic they encounter, it pays to do some research, as the standard of care and specialties can vary considerably from clinic to clinic, and choosing the right clinic can result in a better prognosis for the patient.
One of the most important considerations when evaluating a neurological clinic is whether or not it provides services which are appropriate for the patient. Patients should get a listing of clinics which treat their condition or deal with neurological problems like the ones they are experiencing. For children, it is important to find a clinic which sees and ideally specializes in pediatric patients. A reference from a primary care provider may be a good place to start with finding clinics which will meet a patient's needs.
With a list of clinics which offer treatment appropriate to the patient, it is time to start looking at the staff of each neurological clinic. The staff members should all be physicians, nurses, and technicians in good standing, and the doctors should be board certified in neurology or related fields. Staff members with recent publications which indicate that they are engaged in active research are also something to look for, along with staffers who have received awards or commendations.
Patients may want to consider the overall reputation of the clinic, examining rankings published by organizations which rank hospitals. Another thing to think about when looking at a neurological clinic is the location, available accommodations, and options for friends and family members who may accompany the patient. For example, a pediatric clinic may maintain a hotel or home close by for family members to stay in which children are evaluated and treated.
It is also a good idea to select a neurological clinic which is affiliated with a hospital, so that hospital care is readily available to patients if they experience complications or medical problems during their clinic visit or stay. People may also want to think about policies which pertain to visitors, if they would like to see people while they are in in the clinic. Another thing to think about is whether or not the clinic offers an opportunity to enroll in clinical trials or participate in experimental treatment, which can provide access to brand new treatments and techniques.
Ideally, a neurological clinic should be visited to give prospective patients a chance to see the facility and meet the staff. If the facility feels unpleasant or has a grim or dirty appearance, it is probably not a good choice for treatment. If the staff are cold, unhelpful, or brusque, patients may want to seek out a facility where they feel more welcomed.
Finally, money can also be a concern. For people who are relying on insurance coverage to pay for treatment or evaluating in a neurological clinic, they should make sure that a clinic and its providers are covered. It is also a good idea to ask if specific types of procedures are covered by insurance.