The study finds that 152,966 lives could have been saved, and 21,896 complications could have been avoided, if the quality of care at all hospitals matched the level of those in the top five percent.
To name hospitals in the top five percent for clinical excellence, HealthGrades' fourth annual Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence study analyzes nearly 39 million hospitalizations over the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 at all 5,122 of the nation's nonfederal hospitals. Those with the lowest mortality and complication rates are named Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence
"The data in this year's study indicate a clear and profound divergence between the best hospitals and all others," said Samantha Collier, MD, HealthGrades' vice president of medical affairs. "HealthGrades applauds those hospitals that have operationalized excellence, ensuring that high-quality care is delivered not just in one or two categories of care, but across the board, from cardiac care to orthopedic surgery. But this growing 'quality chasm' is of concern to healthcare professionals and patients alike, and we urge all consumers, if possible, to do their homework before checking into a hospital."
Individuals see how their local hospitals are rated, and if they have been designated Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence, for free at http://www.healthgrades.com .
In comparing Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence with all other hospitals, the HealthGrades study finds:
Methodology
In its 2006 study, HealthGrades independently and objectively analyzed millions of Medicare patient records from fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004, for 26 medical procedures and diagnoses. To qualify for the list, hospitals were required to meet minimum thresholds in terms of patient volumes, quality ratings and the range of services provided. Prior to comparing the mortality and complication rates of the nation's hospitals, HealthGrades risk-adjusted the data, to compare on equal footing hospitals that treated sicker patients. Hospitals with risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates that scored in the top five percent or better nationally – which demonstrates superior overall clinical performance – were then recognized as Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence.
HealthGrades' methodology is open and can be found in the study and on the company's Web site.
Click here for a PDF of the study.
About HealthGrades
Health Grades, Inc. (Nasdaq:HGRD) is the leading healthcare ratings organization, providing ratings and profiles of hospitals, nursing homes and physicians to consumers, corporations, health plans and hospitals. Millions of consumers and hundreds of the nation's largest employers, health plans and hospitals rely on HealthGrades' independent ratings and decision-support resources to make healthcare decisions based on the quality of care. More information on the company can be found at http://www.healthgrades.com . HealthGrades® and Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence
Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence Named; Free to Consumers at HealthGrades.com