It has been a while coming, so it was no surprise to see OSHPD release the mortality rates for California's Hospitals. I think the risk-adjusted data is wonderful for benchmarking and improving performance.
I do recommend that consumers and others be cautious about reviewing the data and consider other indicators as well as these when making judgements about a hospital and the care it provides. Keep in mind that this data covers a limited number of conditions and procedures and that there may be other factors that contribute to the outcomes.
For example, I did notice the highest mortality by far (statewide) is acute stroke with 10.6 (2008) and 10.4 (2009). This is really a reflection of the multiple issues and perhaps the reality of this stat will motivate stakeholders to explore telestroke programs. The problems include not enough stroke neurologists and patients getting to the hospital in time to receive treatment (tPA) fast enough. One patient in Utah who did have access to a telestroke program shares his story.
Follow these links to see the data for each hospital in 2009 and 2008 .
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