About The Study: In this cohort study of 715 U.S. hospitals from 2019 to 2024, risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality declined significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic, resuming its prepandemic trajectory of improvement, while patient acuity as measured by case mix index remained elevated. These findings suggest a new postpandemic baseline for patient acuity, whereas hospital mortality outcomes have returned to prior improvement trends.
Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Alyssa Harris, MPH, email alyssa.harris@vizientinc.com .
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(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.43398)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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