VITAL SIGNS: Books, bureaus, boards can assist in solving health care puzzles

      Nevadans have limited access to information about quality of patient care. But there are some starting points for more information about hospitals or physicians.
      About hospitals:
     --Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations: The Chicago-based accrediting organization has been under fire for accrediting 99 percent of the hospitals it surveys. Until recently, only the total score was released. The commission is now releasing free performance reports on the individual categories that comprise the final rating. Call 630-792-5800.
     --"Personal Health Choices": The state Health Division has compiled this book describing the frequency of the most common diagnoses for 1990 through 1994. The book, albeit a little out of date, can provide some indication of how frequently a particular hospital performs heart bypasses, vaginal deliveries or other common procedures. Call 1-687-4720.
     --Bureau of Licensure and Certification: The bureau, which falls under the state Health Division, investigates patient care complaints made against hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. The bureau will release information on complaints against particular hospitals that have been investigated and found to be valid. To get information about complaints or to file your own, call 486-6515.
      About physicians:
     --Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners: The board will provide a free detailed profile on Nevada physicians, including educational background, where the doctor practices, and who is board-certified. The public can learn about malpractice suits, as well as any Nevada hospital action to remove privileges, such as the right to perform back surgery. The board also will release information on formal disciplinary actions against the physicians. Complaints are not public record. Call 1-688-2559.
     --Medi-Net: An Arizona anesthesiologist helped found a for-profit information service, based on the idea that physicians' disciplinary history sometimes gets lost when they move to another state. The service charges $15 for the first profile and $5 for additional profiles, which include any disciplinary action taken against the physician nationwide. Medi-Net also will provide a free update if any disciplinary action is imposed within the succeeding 12 months. Call 1-800-972-MEDI.